Smuttynose S’muttonator

Hoppy Boston Dopplebock Week continues with a review of S’muttonator, the bold and malty lager from Smuttynose Brewing Company in Portsmouth, NH. I think Smuttynose has set a blueprint for how a brewery can grow and expand distribution while still staying cutting edge and innovative. In addition to their regular lineup (which has undergone some recent changes), Smuttynose brews many seasonal and specialty releases. One new series is Smuttlabs, single batch releases of experimental brews. S’muttonator is part of the Smuttynose Big Beer Series, seasonal brews that run the gamut of style, but all trend towards high alcohol. This is the perfect place for a dopplebock, one of the highest alcohol lager styles. Smuttnose S’muttonator is sold during the fall on draft and in 22 oz. bombers.

Smuttynose S'muttonatorSmuttynose S’muttonator pours a deep amber with a very mild off-white head. The smell is a mixture of semi-sweet malts and a little booze. The taste is very malt forward, as you would expect from a dopplebock, notes of dark chocolate, caramel, fresh baked bread and a little dark fruit. There are minimal hops, just a touch of bite in the finish to help balance out the big malt flavor. This is definitely a big beer at 9.2% ABV, and you do get a little alcohol in the flavor. S’muttonator is full bodied with a thick mouthfeel, so combined with the booze it is definitely a sipper. It finishes clean with a little malt sweetness and warming alcohol in the aftertaste. This beer is awesome, perfect flavor profile for the style, boozy but still drinkable. Hoppy Boston score: 4.75/5.

Previous Smuttynose Reviews:

Smuttynose Vunderbar PilsnerSmuttynose Bouncyhouse IPA, Smuttynose Durty Brown Ale, Smuttynose Robust PorterSmuttynose Finest Kind IPA

 

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