Smuttynose Finestkind IPA

Brewery: Smuttynose Brewing Co.

Alcohol By Volume: 5.60%

Beer Style: American IPA

Availability: Year Round

0.51.01.52.02.53.03.54.04.55.0
Average of 3 ratings: 4.0 stars.

Description:

Portsmouth is a colonial era seaport town, so it goes to follow that sooner or later we'd brew an India Pale Ale as a tribute to those big, hoppy 19th century ales that made the long sea voyage from England's temperate shores, 'round the Cape of Good Hope, to the sultry climes of the faraway East Indies.

But there's another reason we brewed this beer, one that's closer to our home and hearts. Hopheads.

Ten years ago we brewed our first batch of Shoals Pale Ale, our American interpretation of the traditional British ESB (Extra Special Bitter) style. At the time, it was widely considered to be darned hoppy. However, a funny thing happened over the last decade - our Shoals Pale Ale didn't change; beer lovers did, and we started to hear more and more: “Why don't you guys make a really hoppy beer?”

You could say, then, that Smuttynose IPA is a physical salute to the glory of the American hop grower. The citrusy hop flavor coming from a mixture of Simcoe and Santiams is pleasantly balanced by a smooth bitterness from the Amarillo hops. The beer itself is light bodied and crisp with a golden color that will throw a slight haze, as we bottle it unfiltered. At 65 IBU's, this is definitely not a training-wheels IPA, but is meant for hop lovers looking to satisfy their craving in a way that's not easy to find. We think they’ll be quite pleased.


3 users tried Smuttynose Finestkind IPA.


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Appearance - 4.0

Pours 1/2 inch of white head with a good retention and leaves plenty of lacing. The beer is golden orange in color and slightly hazy.

Aroma - 3.0

The nose is comprised of citrus and floral hops. There is also a fruity smell, possibly from the yeast.

Mouthfeel - 4.5

Medium in body, good carbonation and a little chewy in the mouth. I really like how it feels, not too light and not too heavy.

Taste - 4.0

Some sourdough up front followed by citric hops. Floral hops show up next along with some fruity esters. It finishes slightly bitter.

Overall - 3.5

A very enjoyable IPA. I feel like something is off in the bottle I'm reviewing. I recall having it on tap and having a much bolder nose and taste. Best by date is June 2010, so it should be good. I liked it, but feel I would have gave it higher scores if I could try the draft version again. I'd certainly give this one another try in the future.

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