Nut Brown Ale - Ithaca Beer Company

Chaney

District of Columbia

4/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had this on-tap at Valhalla in NYC.

Served in a pint glass.

A: Poured out a brown color that was substantially more cloudy in the middle and fairly transparent around the edges. The slight head, while small, still stuck around for a good bit.

S: Both nutty and caramely, farily potent, and with a fresh brown sugar bill along with a lit-kerosene lamp type of fiery smokiness.

T: Yep, lots of roast on this one... more so than many people had given it credit for even. It reminded me somewhat of Alaskan Smoked Porter in this regard.

M: Much more nutty and smokey that mapley or syrupy, with no booze detected, and some moderate lacing left on the glass.

O: Either I was just in the mood for this type of brew or maybe I'm just more of a fan of this style than most. Nevertheless, I thought this was tasty.

Serving type: on-tap

09-09-2012 23:28:00 | More by Chaney

BlurryVisi0n

New York

3.95/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: pours a dark brown, slightly malty looking head was roughly 1/2" came off a light tan.

Smell: smells off light coffee, not as strong as I would expect but definitely worth inhaling.

Taste: light coffee, slight chocolate. Easy to drink and very easy to love.

Mouth: medium carbonation might be heavy to some. Backwash of the taste if pretty evident.

Overall: one of my better favorites already when it comes to the brown ale category. I would say my 3rd favorite...might be a go to in almost any occasion, hope you enjoy....Cheers to all!

Serving type: on-tap

12-29-2011 00:09:00 | More by BlurryVisi0n

sniper061

New York

3.65/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

I had this beer on tap in a pint glass. The head on this beer was thin upon initial presentation and didn't really lace at all. With the first sniff of this brown ale I was very excited about the smell of molasses, coffe, and chocolate. I am not going to say that I didn't enjoy this beer but I will tell you from the first smell to the last drop I was left less than fulfilled. It lacked the body to back up the nose. This would be an okay beer to finish a night of drinking.

Serving type: on-tap

12-08-2011 20:47:15 | More by sniper061

Thorpe429

Illinois

3.48/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

On tap at Ithaca Memorial Day weekend 2011.

Pours a dark brown color with a moderate off-white head and a slight bit of lacing on the way down. Thin collar throughout. The nose brings a bit of lightly-roasted malt plus chocolate and a touch of coffee. The flavor has some brown malt and mild sweetness. Some caramel and a bit of brown sugar. Light chocolate and a bit of a dry roast coming through toward the finish. Actually, a bit too dry for what the flavor had. Medium body with average carbonation. Pretty standard brown; I'd have it again.

Serving type: on-tap

06-04-2011 13:06:50 | More by Thorpe429

BeerNemesis

New York

3.48/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Nut Brown Ale | on-tap | 5.4 % ABV | May 2011

Brewer: Ithaca Beer Company
Style: English Brown Ale
Glass: pint

Appearance:
Lithe chestnut brown body with a tan crown.

Aroma:
Chocolate, hazelnuts, roasted malts.

Taste:
The nutty flavors break forth from their roasted malt prison midsip. That's when this beer piqued my interest. Hazelnut is well-defined, and the finish has a rounded toffee sweetness about it that is quite nice. Too bad the rest of the flavor is so bland.

Mouthfeel:
Watery, grainy, medium-bodied, a bit dry.

Harmony:
I like the nut flavor and the toffee, everything else a lot less.

Would I get it again?:
No.

Bottled: on-tap May 2011
Served: May 19, 2011

Price = $4.00 at The Stag's Head (NYC)

Serving type: on-tap

05-20-2011 05:07:55 | More by BeerNemesis

david18

New York

3.73/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I had a pint of this at the Amsterdam Ale the other day. I wanted something low in alcohol and the Nut Brown was the lowest (not including bud or guiness).

I've always hear about the classic "english brown flavor) and how great it is and I was never a big proponent of the style. This one however was very enjoyable. The nut roasty flavor really shines through. Color was a classic brown with a lightish head. Aroma was a combination of roasted malt, nuttiness and hops. Flavor was excellent. Again, roast toast, nuts and hops.

A great winter drinker.

Serving type: on-tap

11-28-2010 17:59:19 | More by david18

uustal

Rhode Island

3.88/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured very dark brown with an average light brown head. Aroma of nuts and coco. Taste starts off with some unsweetened chocolate and a bit of earthy hops. Nuttty malt kicks in next. A good deal of hazelnut was noticeable. Solid flavor profile, well balanced, good nut flavor. Nice, creamy mouthfeel.

Serving type: on-tap

08-05-2010 21:47:01 | More by uustal

thekevlarkid

Maryland

3.3/5  rDev -8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 4

Off tap at the brewery this beer was a gorgeous garnet color with two fingers of khaki-colored head. The retention was ok and the lacing in thin sheets. The aroma was of nuts, roasted malt and toasted malt. The flavors were similar with a delicious kick of nuts at the end. However, it was very one-sided and pretty watery. A session beer, sure, but not a good one. The mouthfeel was creamy but a bit slick, the body medium/watery and the carbonation medium/low.

Serving type: on-tap

04-06-2010 15:56:45 | More by thekevlarkid

Buckeyes67

Ohio

3.68/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This is a good Nut Brown and very easy to drink. It has a nice dark color to it with an off white head. It has a plesant nutty taste with a good aroma to the beer. It sits lightly on the palate and goes down smoothly. I will compare this to Indian Brown Ale by DogFish Head and Nut Brown Ale of RoosterFish brewing. In order I would drink RoosterFish, Indian Brown Ale, then Ithaca. Its a good beer and not to far behind the other two.

Serving type: on-tap

12-11-2009 15:20:34 | More by Buckeyes67

Seanibus

California

3.5/5  rDev -3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I never have been sure what the excitement about Ithaca beers is all about, and this one just summarizes my opinion of their offerings - it's perfectly drinkable, technically well-executed, and not bad in any way. It just fails to rise above OK.

Pours a deep reddish brown with a thin head and slight lacing. It smells slight and roasted, toasty and a little bready. The flavor is of toasted nut and roasted malt, woody and bready. The mouthfeel is thin but refreshing.

Not bad.

Serving type: on-tap

12-07-2008 00:47:44 | More by Seanibus

Haybeerman

Colorado

3.58/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: Deep chestnut color. Pours a 1 finger beige head that disepates quickly. Laced in thin, inconsistent patches.

S: Nuts and roasted malt with some caramel and coffee. Did not detect any hop characteristics.

T: Consistent with smell with caramel and roasted nuts. Bitter coffee and dark chocolate follow.

M: Medium body. Cabonation in good balance. Smooth and creamy. Not as big and "chewy" as some others.

D: Low abv and light bitterness make this easily drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

12-06-2008 02:45:46 | More by Haybeerman

TheBCrew

New York

3.85/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Had a 2 oz. sample poured from the tap at the brewery into a glass tasting glass (much better than the plastic cups that some breweries use). Pours a medium amber color with a white head which dissipates. Minimal to no lacing. Aroma of hazlenut and roasted barley. Flavor of roasted barley, malt sweetness with the hazlenut and hop flavors coming through in the finish. Medium-bodied mouthfeel and a slight malt sweetness lead to a decent drinkability.

Serving type: on-tap

01-13-2008 15:42:26 | More by TheBCrew

shamrock7

Rhode Island

4.03/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I found this to be a very tasty brown ale. It pours to a rich deep dark brown color with a small, but nice head. It has a very pleasing coffee/mocha aroma. The taste is a mix of roasted chocolate with a nutty/coffee finish. It has a nice light mouthfeel - not what you would expect given it’s appearance and strong smell. It goes down surprisingly well.

It’s also a beer that can compliment a nice grilled steak – which is always a plus.

Serving type: on-tap

02-24-2007 23:09:19 | More by shamrock7

BeerTruth

Connecticut

4.05/5  rDev +12.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Had this on tap at Red's in Seneca Falls. This is definitely a brown ale you have to try. Pours a dark mahogany with a thick off-white head. Smells of chocolate, coffee, and nuts all mixed into one. The taste of this delightful brew is of carmel with strong malt character. I'm not normally one for malty beers, but the drinkability is amazing with how smooth it flows down your throat. Surprisingly it is quite refreshing as well.

Serving type: on-tap

01-28-2007 21:25:18 | More by BeerTruth

oberon

North Carolina

3.65/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Mammoser's here in Hamburg,poured a medium chesnut brown with a tight but thinner slight off white head.Mild aromas a touch of roastiness and hints of cocoa mainly,basic brown flavors somewhat roasted with a faint cocoa flavor that lingers nicely fo a bit and rather food friendly it went well with some bbq grilled wings.A basic but flavorful brown ale and it warmed me up a bit wich is always a plus.

Serving type: on-tap

01-19-2007 23:39:56 | More by oberon

kkosmoski

New York

4/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A nice dense tannish head atop a medium brown/red brew. Some pretty good stick to the side of the pint.

A very nice aromatic malt smell wafts out of the pint with toasty, caramel, and roasted qualities.

Some roasty malt flavors to start out followed by some sweeter undertones and a nice grainy base malt foundation. There are some 'nutty' flavors in there suggesting some toasted malts, as the name would suggest. A very malty brew, hops are barely recognized and only there for balancing out the malt.

A little more carbonation than I would like to see for an English Brown. Light to medium-bodied. This would make a pretty good session beer, nice flavor and drinkability.

Serving type: on-tap

09-20-2006 20:24:48 | More by kkosmoski

Redrover

Illinois

3.63/5  rDev +0.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I had a couple of pints of this at the Crowne Plaza’s State Street Pub in downtown Rochester.

The beer was served in a standard pint glass. It was a darkish brown with a beige head. There was some nice lace on the glass.

The nose is sweet with a bit of molasses with roasted grains.

The taste is a little sweet, a bit nutty and a hint of alcohol. I get some dark fruits later.

The mouth is just thick enough and the carbonation is a bit high. Mildly sessionable brown ale.

Serving type: on-tap

06-08-2006 17:53:51 | More by Redrover

JCBears

Pennsylvania

3.98/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Had this at a real nice resturant/bar in Newark NY My frst impression was the weak head how ever once getting a wif of this ale i couldnt help but think of deep rich wanut trees. The lacking mouthfeel was more than made up for in flavor however I was hoping the whole time this was naturally produced flavor and not from extract. Nice brew worth another one just for the smell.

Serving type: on-tap

05-03-2006 20:12:34 | More by JCBears

katdaddy210

Pennsylvania

3.33/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Had this beer on tap at RoguesHarbor in Landsing. Served in a typical pint serving tumbler. When it came to my table, it had a dull off white ,flat head. It was a dark ruby/brown color held up to the light. The head quickly faded and with little fanfare. Not much lacing. It had a nice malt smell, a great start. Not much of a bitter hint to it at all, although not much of a nut flavor (not like a Troegs nut brown) Hops were toned down nicely. It had a delightful semi-creamy mouthfeel and went down way to easy. Although,at this point there wasn't much carbonation left. Don't know if it was the tap system or the brew itself. Overall, I would have another, and am excited to try one out of the bottle this weekend. A nice,yet uneventful product.

Serving type: on-tap

10-05-2005 20:48:41 | More by katdaddy210

CBFanWish

New York

2.98/5  rDev -17.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2

This is a middle of the road ut brown. It's not bad, but it had a few flaws that could easily be fixed. The taste was chocolate with a coffee aftertaste. I was slightly bothered by a slight metalic taste.It kind of tasted mediciney. The colour was nice dark brown with a thin tan head that didn't last too long. The smell was of chocolate. I don't feel good drinking it. I feel very uncomfortable with it.

Serving type: on-tap

03-13-2004 19:15:53 | More by CBFanWish

GreatPondBrewer

Oregon

3.48/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

very dependable brew, but do not expect something mind blowing here. Just a basic brown ale. Color was dark mahogony with an off-white head. Smell was roasted without too much in the way of distinction. Taste had a nutty beginning moving more into a roasted malts taste in the middle with a small hop bite in the finish. Carbonation was a problem here as there was waaaay too much of it considering the style. Good beer to wash down some BBQ with and I did just that.

Serving type: on-tap

10-30-2003 19:37:48 | More by GreatPondBrewer

ithacabaron

California

4.47/5  rDev +23.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

From the brewery's tap to my growler, into the car for five minutes, and then into me.

A deep, clear brown with hints of red around the edges. Pours an even head that quickly fades. Aroma is of sugar-coated peanuts and brazil nuts, with a confident hop overtone (northdown and fuggle).

Taste is very smooth, malty and sweet, almost a bit over-sweet (but still delicious, and I don't really have a sweet tooth at all). Slightly nutty (there go the brazil nuts again). The taste brings to mind the color of mahogany wood, if that makes any sense. It finishes cleanly, with a nice hop end that asks you to take another sip without being overbearing.

This is a perfect session beer, especially if you're looking for something more malty on a given day. Drinkable by the growler. Would be perfect to take out to a tailgate before a college football game (or heck, if you can get it in, while you watch the game).

Definately my favorite offering from the brewery, and one that I like more and more each time I drink it. The definition of a solid, dependable ale.

I should note, I've heard this is not nearly as good in the bottle as it is on tap. Since I live 5 minutes from the brewery, I've only ever had this on-tap. I will buy a bottle soon and do another review for that, so that I may address these questions.

Serving type: on-tap

10-03-2003 01:32:49 | More by ithacabaron

Dantes

New Jersey

3.75/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Presentation: 16oz. shaker pint. Cost: $3. Also available in bottles.

Appearance: Caramel-brown translucent body. Even on draught, the crema-colored head was surprisingly sparse and disappeared into a thin ring around the periphery of the glass.

Smell: Nicely toasty aroma, with elements of roasted nuts, coffee, and burnt-sugar.

Taste: This is a nicely malty beer, with strong toffee notes that supplement the tastes of coffee, roasted nuts, and burnt sugar. The by-now-familiar Ithaca Brewing sweetly fruity backnotes round out the flavors of this nut brown ale, while the Fuggles hops are clearly distinguishable. My friends and I had the opportunity to taste this back-to-back with Newcastle on draught, and it proved interesting. We unanimously judged the Ithaca to be better-tasting, with a more complex flavor profile; but the Newcastle, while a bit more bitter and metallic, had better body, with a longer, drier finish.

Mouthfeel: On draught, this was finely carbonated and velvety in the mouth. Somewhat light-bodied, it suffered in the bottle, where the carbonation seemed harsher, and the thinness became more noticeable.

Drinkability: Another eminently drinkable offering from Ithaca Brewing. While I might not choose this first when in the metro area, it is a fine beer when fresh and on draught.

Another good effort from Ithaca Brewing. If they could tinker with their brewing process a bit in order to provide their brews with a bit more heft, they would really have a great product. Of the range, this is probably their best regular offering (The Flower Power and Anniversary Stout are seasonals). A beer I’d be glad to drink on a regular basis. Now if only we could convince them to try brewing a big porter. By the way, it goes very well with a good cigar.

Bottom Line: A good core offering from Ithaca Brewing.

Serving type: on-tap

06-19-2003 14:57:13 | More by Dantes

kbub6f

New York

4/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at the Pier House restaurant in Geneva, New York.

By the time the beer arrived at the table, the whitish head was mostly gone, leaving a ring and film. Some spotty, runny lacing. The beer is dark brown, kind of a dark tar-like caramel. Nice.

There's toffee, malt and a little chocolate in the nose. The front is deep and malty toffee. A nice touch of fruit pops up in the middle: plums? There's also lots of chocolate and a little coffee with burnt sugar. The finish is fresh, leaving toasted grains, coffee and chocolate. I really quite like this.

Serving type: on-tap

06-04-2003 14:51:55 | More by kbub6f

Why-P-A

Maryland

2.95/5  rDev -18.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A: A nice solid brown color, nor overly red or black with minimal cloudiness.

S: Caramel and sweet grain notes which are similar to of aromas generated during the mashing process.

T: The main component of this beer is the malts as it should be. This beer trends toward the sweeter side with a very minimal bitter finish which could come from either bittering hops or the darker malts, likely the later.

M: Very light in body and mouthfeel, which combined with the average ABV makes this especially smooth and easy to drink.

O: This was one of the 4 original beers offered by Ithaca beer. No outstanding qualities but a solid brown ale. Hard to find on tap but readily available in bottles in the Northeast.

Serving type: bottle

06-02-2013 21:49:16 | More by Why-P-A