Smuttynose Maibock

Poured a voluptuously effervescent golden with a fizzy off-white head which dissipated completely. Aroma of some light toffee, a bit of herbal grass, some light spiciness, nice but not too complex or assertive. Flavor however is quite good... an apple and caramel sweetness comes up first, followed quickly by a strong herbal grassy hoppiness, a bit of dry toffee, and a surprisingly refreshing dry finish. Warming. Clearly an American interpretation with the noticeable hops and alcohol, but a welcome one. Very nicely balanced and refreshing.

Clear pale body with small white head. The aroma is herbal, bread, honey, apple and peach. The flavor is slightly sweet, honey, apple juice and herbal. Medium body is round with soft carbonation and a slightly warm finish.

22oz bottle, courtesy of artusory. Thanks, Ryan! Pours a hazy, golden-amber color; white head with good lacing. Maple syrup and floral hops in the aroma. Average carbonation. Medium mouthfeel: candy sugar and dried fruits; malt-dominated, with some hops; alcohol definitely showing through. Lengthy, hoppy and boozy finish.

Tap at Blind Tiger. Pours darkish yellow with a nice white cap. Floral nose with a wonderfully balanced flavor, between crisp refreshing hops and a wonderful, thick but refreshing body. Good bready malts and a touch of sweetness. Very nice beer.

22 oz. brown bomber bottle. No freshness date seen. Poured out a bright, clear orange color, with a huge off-white colored head. left a sticky lacing down the side of the glass. Aromas are of slightly roasted malt, sweet orange blossom honey, funky lager yeast. Flavors are of honey, sweet malts, dry biscuits, slightly roasty too. Thick mouthfeel, rich body. Chewy in texture, sweet aftertaste. Slightly dry finish, like honey. Damn good beer overall.

On tap at Bacchus, New Paltz. This beer was an assault of honey from first sniff to last sip. It even poured a honey color. It started out pleasantly sweet but by the end of the beer the sweetness was overwhelming. Not something I would try again.

22 oz bottle. Clear toasted orange with a bubbly white head. Yeasty orange toffee with fresh grass and oats. Taste conforms it’s Spring! Quenching carb cuts through a slightly oily body with a density that’s substantial but still refreshing. Apricot and unripe melon. Sours with a bit of cherry; finally lemon pith.

A malt drinkable treasure followed by an expected malted down bitterness, caramel and smooth. More German than if German brewed. Great drinkability. Medium mouthfeel.