What the hell is wrong with me? I have had the Smuttynose “Finestkind” IPA on numerous occasions and have yet to write a review! I’m not exactly sure when I first had this beer, but I know that it was at least two years ago.
The Smuttynose “Finestkind” IPA is available year round in both bottle and draught form. Our friends from Portsmouth, NH describe this beer as follows:
“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.”
Let’s find out if Smuttynose has indeed pleased me…
- Appearance: Fluffy, slowly dissipating head. Slightly cloudy, reddish-orange color. Rapidly rising bubbles. Lots of sediment floating throughout which eventually settles on the bottom. Plenty of lacing left on the glass as you drink it down.
- Aroma: Orange and lemon zest. Yeast. Pine.
- Taste: Medium carbonation. Smooth and creamy texture. Slightly sweet and citrusy at first. Very pleasant, slightly bitter hop finish.
- ABV: 6.9%
The Smuttynose “Finestkind” IPA is one of the first IPAs that I ever tasted, and even after 2+ years of trying many different IPAs, it is still one of my favorites. Crisp, smooth, well balanced, and extremely session worthy (it hides it’s relatively high alcohol content very well). This is a beer I can drink all year round. To say that I am pleased with this beer would be an understatement. Well done Smuttynose!
Categories: Brew Review, Smuttynose
AMKrouse
The Alemonger
G-LO
limpd
The Wookie
The ROK
Sarah -BeautifulTangibleThings
The Astounding Prism
It's just the booze dancing... 
FIRST: What the hell is wrong with you???
I don’t think there is enough time to explore this question. If we were to have the discussion the conclusion would most likely be that you are just “screwed up” but not more than our good friend the Ale Monger (http://alemonger.wordpress.com/)
SECOND: Smuttynose ROCKS!
I have been in love with their beers since I first tried them in Portsmouth back in Oct 2002. Their IPA is my second favorite of their regular offerings behind only to the Shoals Pale Ale. Your review is spot on. This IPA is hoppy enough to satisfy most hopheads but not a tongue splitter. It’s balance makes it a year-round go to brew.
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You are correct! I am a case study in lunacy. All good fun.
I agree 100%! Smutty does indeed rock, and though I hate to admit it, you’re the guy that told me about them. If only we could get more of their seasonal varieties down here. Once again… ROAD TRIP! Portsmouth here we come!
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While I do not believe I have the necessary medical training to offer a proper diagnosis, I would characterize your lack of a post as a senior moment or at the very least note that you might put the fun in dysfunction.
To taste Smuttynose nearly direct from the source on the pristine taps while waiting for a return flight at the Milltowne Grille & Smuttynose Public House in the Manchester airport after a N.H. client visit is the single best part of any client visit I have.
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