Smuttynose Maibock

Brewed by Smuttynose Brewing Company
Style: Heller Bock
Portsmouth, New Hampshire USA

Man, I thought I rated this - thanks to my better half for sharing this, then - lightly hazy golden beer, with a sticky, soapy, lasting head - the aroma is peppery and zesty up front, but some floral character and a honey sweetness develop underneath that, along with some earthy hops - a tad bit sweet at first - honey almost overwhelms the palate, but a lightly bitter herbal and floral flavor comes up from behind that, followed by spicy hops, and eventually, some alcohol warmth that lasts through the finish, so the overall sensation of drinking the beer is of a progressive warming feeling - if I were a more poetic and sappy person, I’d say this reminds me on the gradual coming of spring - but I am not that kind of person, so thankfully I would never put something that silly in a beer rating.

The aroma has creamed corn, fruit, and citrus hops. The appearance is nice with a large head. The flavor is like the aroma. The palate is thin but smooth. Overall a drinkable beer but it has problems.

Tap at Mugs Ale House: Pours an orange/golden with a small but strong white head. Decent aroma of soft German malts, a hint of citrus and a subtle hop note. Creamy body with a solid malt bite. Has a very light honey sweetness along with balancing herbal hop hints and a grainy character. A solid Bock.

Pleasant doughy aroma, with some apricot and vinegar. Misty, maplewood color, thin ringing head. Bomber. Average label. Bitter, boozy, some off flavors, grassy overtones. Spritzy carbonation, but fairly heavy-bodied, alcohol finish. Meh. Market Square Liquors.

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.

Cloudy amber body with a medium creamy light tan head. Sweet fruity malt and caramel aroma. Sweet caramel and sugar flavor.

Appearance: Pours a cheery-looking orange body with a small, white head. Smell: An aroma filled with honey and spice and everything nice (i.e., dough and lemon). Taste: Light, sweetish caramel flavor with notes of bee-fresh honey and citrus fruits. Noticeable doughiness. Hop flavor and bitterness remain quite light. Wraps up with a very drying finish. Mouthfeel: Medium-body. Medium carbonation. Somewhat sticky mouthfeel. Drinkability: Works for me! A pretty good maibock.

Crystal clear coloured golden body with a thinnish white head. Aroma of fresh malt, strong fresh hops and a potent lemony scent - even though this is a bit aged, it still smells fresh! Medium-bodied; Strong malty flavour with toffee and caramel notes following behind. Aftertaste shows a nice hoppy kick tucked into a astringent finish. Overall, a very nice and refreshing beer altogether! Definitely worth trying if you can find it anywhere! I sampled this 65 cL bottle purchased from Oliver’s Beverage in Albany, New York on 11-December-2007.