Short's Nicie Spicie - Short's Brewing Company

Huhzubendah

District of Columbia

3.5/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On draft at Churchkey in D.C.

The beer is yellowish with a thin head that leaves sparse lacing.

The aroma brings a bouquet of spices and floral hops.

The flavor is quite complex, with notes of herbs, tea, flowers, citrus, and more, though these attributes are dominated by peppercorns. There is a decent amount of sweetness, and I can see that a small serving will be more than enough.

The finish is dry, with lingering floral and citrus notes.

This beer is an oddity for sure, but I kinda like it (in small doses). I'd try it again.

Serving type: on-tap

06-16-2011 20:52:00 | More by Huhzubendah

Chaney

District of Columbia

4.1/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had this on tap over at Churchkey.

A: Mild burnt yellow color, mildly cloudy (some of it may have just been fog from the coldness of the brew), and with a frothy finger or so solid white head that retained itself throughout the session.

S: Was that white or black pepper? Never mind. That totally was the spice featured in this brew... whole peppercorn and all. This was paired with a nice citrus and floral component as well.

T: I wasn't sure how I felt after the first sip, but it grew on me quickly. It was almost as if someone steeped whole peppercorns and gourmet tea leaves in Bell's Two-Hearted. Seriously. However, to be honest, this taste really worked for me.

M: Bubbly, well-carbonated, and downright comfortable on the palate. There was mild lacing left on the glass, and the pepper killed the potential syrupy, sugary sweetness (if there even was any to begin with).

O: I totally understand why someone wouldn't like this brew. To me though, I dug the pepper, the hop profile, the bubbles,... just about everything about it. Nice.

Serving type: on-tap

06-10-2011 06:24:44 | More by Chaney

drabmuh

Maryland

3.48/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Beer is yellow and mostly clear with a thin haloed head on it that leaves some lacing on the glass.

Aroma is like a strong herbal tea with jasmine and other spices. Kind of smell like a bouquet of flowers too.

Here we go, beer is thin and very spicy, peppery, lots of floral flavors and a dry finish. This is a very strong gruit ale. Interesting, but I couldn't drink much of it.

Serving type: on-tap

06-03-2011 16:36:35 | More by drabmuh

glid02

Georgia

3.68/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On-tap.

Pours a hazy golden color with a one-finger bright white head. The head recedes into a wispy layer on top leaving decent lacing.

Smells of muted light malts with moderate amounts of a combination of spices - white pepper, nutmeg, and coriander. Also present are mild amounts of wheat twang and floral hops that intensify as the beer warms.

Tastes similar to how it smells. Light malt flavors with mild amounts of wheat twang kick things off. Joining in shortly thereafter are muted spices - coriander mostly but with hints of clove and spicy hops. The spices fade out allowing the malt and wheat flavors to carry through to a mildly bitter ending.

Mouthfeel is good. It's got a nice thickness with moderate carbonation.

Drinkability is also good. I had no problems finishing my glass and could have another.

Overall this was a good enough beer but all of the flavors seemed somewhat muted. Not worth seeking out but not worth avoiding either.

Serving type: on-tap

09-14-2010 22:51:44 | More by glid02

Tone

Missouri

3.58/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a slightly hazy, golden color. 1/5 inch head of a white color. Slight retention and slight lacing. Smells of black pepper, slight yeast, slight sweet malt, and a hint of hop. The pepper dominates. Fits the style of a Herbed / Spiced beer. Mouth feel is sharp and crisp with an average carbonation level. There is also a noticeable dryness. Tastes of pepper, slight yeast, slight sweet malt, and hint of hops. Overall, the pepper dominates all other flavors, but I've never had a pepper flavored beer before. Interesting, but I don't know if I could drink very many.

Serving type: on-tap

04-19-2010 00:23:11 | More by Tone

robbyc1

Illinois

4.25/5  rDev +17.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Hear is a different brew, spicy and zesty. Dark rootbeer look, minimal head no lace, ok.

Great nose with spice hitting your face, pepper, lemon, great dark malt, oddly balanced, and it just refreshes you and and keeps you wanting more. The spices make this a different but excellent beer as it warms. Dry finish. They seem to have a light bodied brown ale backing this effort and it supports the additions well.

Taste follows nicely, with the mouthfeel a bit light. Overall a great refreshing summer drinker, reminds me of one of my favorites from Furthermore, Knot Stock, but even more complex.

Serving type: on-tap

04-07-2010 20:04:35 | More by robbyc1

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.75/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Enjoyed at the brewpub on tap. Peppercorn, corriander, lemon, oranhe, spiced wheat. Medium mouthfeel. Light colour and very lacey. Served closer to room temperature and drinkable. From this spicy beer, this is above average for the style. Nicely done although I would not drink this every day.

Serving type: on-tap

08-07-2009 12:04:37 | More by northyorksammy

Jason

Massachusetts

4.03/5  rDev +11.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On tap at the Hop Cat in Grand Rapids, MI.

Minimal white lacing and hazy as hell with a muddled orange beige color. Aroma of orange seltzer, fresh ground pepper corn, dough biscuit and a citric hop. Good smooth and crisp medium body with a creamy slick mouth feel. Orange on top with peppercorn and pepper heat within. The heat of the peppercorn grows with each sip but never reaches a hot level ... just a lovely spicy flavor. A bit of bread wheat and nuttiness form the yeast middle to end. Finishes with a long linger of peppercorn, semi dry.

Pretty amazing stuff here, extreme all the way. I dig peppercorn and it works in the beer so it does stay drinkable for me. This beer must be amazing to cook with as well.

Serving type: on-tap

08-17-2008 17:53:09 | More by Jason

nortmand

Virginia

4.83/5  rDev +33.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Slightly cloudy straw yellow pour with a strong white head.

Very herbal smell, peppery and citrusy. Very balanced and intriguing.

Flavor is dominated by coriander, complex citrus and pepper. The peppery flavor is absolutely insane! It creates a borderline spiciness that lingers on the palate for a long time. Very subtle, gradually increasing as the flavor accumulates on the tongue. Truly unique and unforgettable.

Medium bodied and very refreshing, spicy and drinkable. No beer has ever matched pizza quite so well.

Serving type: on-tap

09-17-2006 20:53:51 | More by nortmand

Crosling

Colorado

2.45/5  rDev -32.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Sampled on draught @ Short’s Brewing Company in Bellaire, Michigan. Lightly cloudy yellow color. Heavily spiced aroma, overly so, with the lemon peel and curacao standing out most, along with a light citrusy hop fragrance. Flavor is again, overly spice, with the curacao and lemon peel standing out the most in the flavor. No malt complexity with little hop and nothing but spice.

Serving type: on-tap

05-28-2006 21:47:24 | More by Crosling

oberon

North Carolina

3.45/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

On tap at Ashley's in Ann Arbor,I saw the description of this beer and thought it interesting and gav it a try.Poured a very pale yellow with smaller white head, a wheat ale spiced with peppercorns and that is for sure aromas of lemond rind and heavy on the cracked black pepper.I found it a bit watery so it lost my attention after a few drinks,very zesty upfront with big lemon and coriander notes with that black pepper hitting quite hard thru the finish and lingering.A very interesting beer in concept just not my thing I suppose.

Serving type: on-tap

05-08-2006 21:24:52 | More by oberon

marcobrau

Illinois

4.43/5  rDev +22.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A remarkably quaffable and tasty spiced ale with peppery aroma and hot finish. What's found inbetween is mixture of hops and malt with lemon-orangey spices mixed in with a wheaty maltiness. A soft mouthfeel and light to medium body. This beer pours a slightly hazy yellow off the tap. The black pepper in this beer is perfectly done -- not too hot or spicy -- just enough heat to make things interesting and not ruin the drinkability of this wonderful ale. An excellente summertime beer which has inspired a homebrewed creation of my own in a similar vein.

On tap at Butch's Dry Dock in Holland, Mich.

Serving type: on-tap

06-17-2005 03:36:31 | More by marcobrau

proc

Michigan

4/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A refreshing beer. Pours out to a dark yellow in the glass with a slight head. Aroma is that of Lemon Pledge (no kidding) and citrus in general. There is a slight spice to this one that combines with the citrus to bring forth a really easy-to-drink beer. Well done.

Serving type: on-tap

11-01-2004 14:17:49 | More by proc

marburg

Michigan

4/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Mexican food meets lemon pledge meets wheat beer.

Or something.

Alternating in strength, lemon and pepper dominate the nose. Almost painfully lively, there's true black pepper kick to this, aromatically speaking. Exceedingly peppery, to be sure. The more I drank this, the more it reminded me of the crust I apply to a tuna dish I make -- bits of chili powder with pepper, cumin, and coriander. And then the citrus sauce gets laid down on the tuna -- here, in this beer, it's lemon. I couldn't put my finger on it originally, but I had some sort of strange lemon drink once that was excessively carbonated. The peppery pricks, carbonation, and lemon are leading me back to that foggy memory. Intense beer.

Serving type: on-tap

09-27-2004 14:47:48 | More by marburg

CRJMellor

Arkansas

4/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This beer was going to join two of my favorite culinary delights, pepper and beer.

Poureds a chill-hazed yellow-with bright white and gold highlights, standard thick bubbled one-finger developed and left some sticky spots.
Aroma was lightly citrusy, some grass and hay notes and huge waft of cracked black pepper.
Flavor was very lemony and as then as you finish it a large wave of black pepper taste washes over the palate leaving a little sting.
Some other light spices also noted but pepper overwhelms them.
Light body with a strong pepper aftertaste.
Mouthfeel starts light and airy with citrus twang but then palate and tastebuds are blow away by a heavily spiced pepper finish that lingers well into a severe aftertaste.
Drinkability was good, only issues I have is that pepper is a little too strong and overwhelms the other flavors of a pretty good beer.
The 2nd issue I have is that after you drink this beer its hard to taste other beers and give them your undivided palate. Pepperiness is so strong it lingers for a significant length of time.

Serving type: on-tap

07-17-2004 01:56:25 | More by CRJMellor

tectactoe

Michigan

2.63/5  rDev -27.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

Pours a deep golden, nearly amber color with a pretty wispy, white head that recedes pretty quickly to a small outline of the glass. The aroma is... different, to say the least. At first, it's like mixing together a bunch of random spices off the rack and taking a big whiff. Upon settling down and taking repeated sniffs, some clarity begins to form - peppercorns are the heaviest spice, as expected, because that's how it's advertised. Nutmeg? Maybe. It's hard to tell. Coriander? Definitely, but it's not very strong. There are some other ashy, leafy spices lingering around, may just be a product of ingredient clashing. Intense fruity, sweetness spikes hit the nose as well, bittersweet orange rinds and a peppery lemon zest, almost in a wood-polish, Pledge kind of way. Certainly stings the nostrils.

The taste is full of many things. Oranges? They're there. Lemon zest? Big time, again, taking on an almost too-strong, cleanser profile. Coriander? Yeah, certainly in the backdrop. Hops? Sure. A present leafiness hangs around, almost on the herbal side, along with a slight pungent, citrusy-pith character. Malt? Of course. Nice malty background, slightly toasted with a nice bread character and some light caramel even (very light, however). BUT - none of these flavors are any match for the peppercorns. My GOD, the pepper is strong in this one. It's like sucking on a pepper mill. Strong and overpowering, to the point of tickling the back of the throat. I like pepper. But not this much, and it certainly doesn't belong in a beer. Medium body, medium-high carbonation.

As always, Shorts is trying something out-of-the-box, which I love. This time, for me at least, it happened to be a miss. No big deal. I commend their efforts to always shake things up, but this one is too crowded with peppercorns to be drinkable and enjoyable all the way through.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2013 17:46:13 | More by tectactoe

kylehay2004

Florida

3.23/5  rDev -10.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Little to no head on a hazy golden with slight orange tinge body. Aroma is a little pungent with grains, honey and light lemon custard. Flavor is a little spicy with quite a bit of honey, lemongrass and maybe some ginger on a grainy base. Light to medium body and moderate carbonation. I was hoping this to be spicier. The sweetness isnt very well balanced and it feels too syrupy.

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2012 02:30:37 | More by kylehay2004

welldigger888

South Carolina

3.88/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

nise pale gold hue with a fluffy white head that recedes leaving minamal lacing

Tart wheat and peppercorn with a hint of hops. Almost sour note on the nose that leaves a nice spice from the peppercorns.

Well, again a nice tart wheat like brew with a lacto type sour that leads way to a BIG peppercorn taste thaty does not overwhelm the wheat. well done.

Medium bodied brew that satisfies.

Well, We have a nice peppercorn wheat that I enjoyed.

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2012 02:23:19 | More by welldigger888

Alextricity

Michigan

3.78/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: Pours a deep, clear yellow color with a short-lived head, and no lacing. Really a pretty sad looking brew. It looks like stagnant urine.

Smell: Faint on the aroma after the head bubbles away. Some spice is certainly there, as is some hops and malt. Nothing overpowering though.

Taste/Feel: Very, very interesting. There's a whole lot of everything going on. My first thought was that it tasted a lot like tea... like an Earl Grey or something. Then the zest comes in so you get some citrus in the background, but on the finish you get a slight burn on your tongue from the peppercorns. Very bizarre but also enjoyable. The carbonation is medium, despite seeing very little bubbling in the glass. The feel is pretty light.

This is one strange yet tasty beer by Short's. I should also note this is the first Short's I've ever had. It essentially tastes like a tea with pepper in it to me, which isn't a bad thing. It's just very unusual. I'm not sure I'd drink this too often... I see it as more of a novelty. I'd still get it again in the future just because it's so strangely compelling.

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2012 00:14:47 | More by Alextricity

smalenberg

Michigan

4.1/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Smell - Slight bubble gum ester character with a wonderful fruitiness and pleasant citrus that is at least in part from the coriander.

Mouthfeel - the carbonation is just right - too much would have hidden the best characteristics of this beer.

Overall - the peppercorn lingers on the tongue along with the lemon zest. Very well balanced and a pleasure to drink.

Serving type: bottle

09-16-2012 01:56:08 | More by smalenberg

RblWthACoz

Pennsylvania

3.18/5  rDev -12.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

The nose had me very worried on this one as it was so much orange zest. Thankfully, it did settle down a bit. Unfortunately, it settled down to an orange tang thing, The flavor is a wad of crap and spices. At least that was my first impression. Then it seems like it starts to work. Then it seems like an obnoxious contrast. I'm ready to move on here.

Serving type: bottle

08-31-2012 02:40:11 | More by RblWthACoz

TheSevenDuffs

Ontario (Canada)

3.68/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottle dated 06/27/12 poured in to Founders tulip.

A - Slightly hazy pale yellow colour with a golden glow around the edges. A small layer of white head formed and quickly receded to a ring around the glass.

S - Big lemon zest aroma up front, followed by black pepper. Belgian yeast is also present along with lighter orange zest and clove aromas.

T - Lemon zest and peppercorns are dominant at first with lighter Belgian yeast notes present. The orange zest is detectable as well, but is somewhat overpowered by the lemon. Not specifically detecting the coriander, but there is a big spice presence from the peppercorns that it likely plays in to. Very good balance of citrus and spice.

M - Light to medium body with a slight chew. Moderate carbonation.

Serving type: bottle

08-19-2012 14:16:07 | More by TheSevenDuffs

jaasen64

Massachusetts

3.63/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12oz bottle thanks to makdeco for picking this one up for me. Poured into Founders snifter.

A- Pours a translucent golden yellow with absolutely no head at all. Some light carbonation of sporadic carbonation bubbles of varying sizes.

S- Lots of spices, pepper, lemon, some grass, leafy herbs, mint, kind of a lot going on and definitely well above average aroma strength.

T- Lemon, spices, pepper, mint leaves, a tiny bit of medicinal herbs. Finishes with lemony mint and pepper bitterness, the lemony mint lingers for awhile.

M- Light to a little bit medium bodied, not much carbonation but fits well with the beer, goes down easily.

O- This was definitely an interesting beer. It was definitely very different then anything I'm used to. Lots of interesting flavors that makes for a fairly complex beer. While it was interesting to try, I didn't particularly like a lot of the flavors going on. It was a little bit too spicey and I didn't really care for the pepper or leafy mint flavors going on. I would maybe recommend trying this beer if you like interesting beers, otherwise I probably wouldn't.

Serving type: bottle

08-19-2012 02:27:51 | More by jaasen64

Grohnke

Illinois

4.38/5  rDev +21%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Nose is smacked with cracked pepper, lemon, and orange. The spice and citrus additions almost form a spicy lime-like aroma - extremely pleasing and welcoming. Soft sweetness.

Incredibly balanced citrus and spice palate. Lots of orange up front, lots of peppercorn. Those are the two major players, supported by the coriander spice and lemon (and that damn lime again). Behind all this, is a well made American wheat that's able to withstand all these additions, while holding its own.

Lingering pepper is quite prevalent but not overbearing. Soft citrus and sweetness are there, just in the background. Refreshing, smooth. Light bodied with generous carbonation.

This beer is incredibly good - my first shorts and now I have to drink everything they brew. The flavors are so powerful and bold, and yet the beer is unbelievably smooth and easy to drink. The lingering spice is shorts way of saying "don't you ever forget what we are all about." outstanding!

Serving type: bottle

08-16-2012 16:49:54 | More by Grohnke

mattcrill

Ohio

4.08/5  rDev +12.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Aroma: Light orange rind notes up front, a little bit of spicy Belgian yeast "funk", and light pepper notes all play off the nose in wonderful fashion. At least with the aroma, the beer is as advertised.

Appearance: Slightly cloudy light amber pour with a very low, thin white head. Head retention is poor.

Flavor: Wow! Mouth-filling flavors that continue to play on the orange and pepper theme. Just a hint of both and they interplay in a lovely fashion off the back of the palate. A bit of earthy bitterness and some grainy sweetness that is quickly over-powered by all the spicy and fruity overtones. Balance is nearly even. Finish is clean and dry.

Mouthfeel: Light bodied with lively, high carbonation. No alcohol heat or astringency.

Overall impression: A lovely spiced beer. I'm not a fan of spiced beer but this is light and refreshing with hints of spice that provide lovely accents while not killing your palate. A winner from Short's!

Serving type: bottle

08-12-2012 17:55:35 | More by mattcrill