Smuttynose “Finest Kind” IPA A big thanks to my friend Gavin for this beer, Smuttynose was always a favorite of mine back when I was in the Midwest. I think the first thing that needs to be said about this beer is the awesome label, a trademark of Smuttynose who are the masters of the kitschy label. The beer pours a super cloudy honey color, lots of sediment floating around in the beer as stated on the label, with big hues of orange peel and copper. The head is about a finger high, nice off white color, pretty solid retention but the beer leaves behind some incredible lacing. The aroma is pleasant, floral hops with some mild citrus undertones, a bit of earthy peppercorn and a big cereal malt backing. The aroma is pretty tame but easily approachable. The flavors follow nicely, light floral hops with a bit of lemon zest and grapefruit, a bit more bitter than the strength of the flavors. The malt backing is much bigger than the nose leads on, a lot of cereal grains and some hay like flavors, very dry malty finish. The alcohol is very well hidden for a 7% IPA and having some less than pungent flavors. The body is nice, medium carbonation, sticky and full, really helps this beer along. Verdict: This is solid stuff from Smuttynose, nothing pretentious here, just a good, easy to drink IPA. It’s a bit malt heavy for my liking, but this makes for a great beer for someone easily put off by very hoppy beers, and a great beer to crack open after a day’s work. (3.70/5)

Smuttynose “Finest Kind” IPA

A big thanks to my friend Gavin for this beer, Smuttynose was always a favorite of mine back when I was in the Midwest. I think the first thing that needs to be said about this beer is the awesome label, a trademark of Smuttynose who are the masters of the kitschy label. The beer pours a super cloudy honey color, lots of sediment floating around in the beer as stated on the label, with big hues of orange peel and copper. The head is about a finger high, nice off white color, pretty solid retention but the beer leaves behind some incredible lacing. The aroma is pleasant, floral hops with some mild citrus undertones, a bit of earthy peppercorn and a big cereal malt backing. The aroma is pretty tame but easily approachable. The flavors follow nicely, light floral hops with a bit of lemon zest and grapefruit, a bit more bitter than the strength of the flavors. The malt backing is much bigger than the nose leads on, a lot of cereal grains and some hay like flavors, very dry malty finish. The alcohol is very well hidden for a 7% IPA and having some less than pungent flavors. The body is nice, medium carbonation, sticky and full, really helps this beer along.

Verdict: This is solid stuff from Smuttynose, nothing pretentious here, just a good, easy to drink IPA. It’s a bit malt heavy for my liking, but this makes for a great beer for someone easily put off by very hoppy beers, and a great beer to crack open after a day’s work. (3.70/5)