Smuttynose Farmhouse Ale

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

Oh how I do revel in these Smutty big beer releases. Always so tasty, always so big. 22oz. is a lot for 3.99 (my local Whole Foods price). So, here we go kiddies. Pours a lovely cloudy apricot hue with a cozy, creamy head. Smells of bready yeast and a tad of stone fruit. Oh a beguiling brew this one is. Like the step cousin who was a little too hot for comfortable family reunions, this beer teases in all the right ways. It is not out-right fruity, that sector of tasteville held in restrain from the abundant rustic yeast flavors, but there certainly are touches of apricot and peach to this brew. As stated, yeasty, earthy flavors have a well staked claim here, as does a light mintiness. Really tasty for the style and another no-brainer from Smutty. Quaff deep the dregs of life. Proost!

22oz bottle. Vintage 2009. Hazy golden pour. Tall, thick and creamy, mountainous head of foam. Lots of perfect spherical bubbles rising to the surface. Beautiful carbonation. Aroma of fruity yeast and bread. Flavor is of a dry malt, lots of yeasy flavors. A bit of citrus and some banana. Citrus zest and tropical fruit, very complex fruitiness all on top of a vell malted body.. An excellent American take on a unique style of beer. I really liked this one.
07 Nov 09

sample from the bottle at The 2009 Great Decatur Beer Festival on 10/17/09... pours a clear golden color with a white head... tart nose and finish... some spice, light coriander over the body and a very clean finish with a splash of yeast... very drinkable and enjoyable Saison.

The Farmhouse Ale poured beautifully into my tall pint glass with a short head that belied its fathoms of taste. The fruit and floral aromas told me more about this ale I as dove in for a taste. The golden red ale tasted differently each time as a hundred different colors came to my mind. A light sense of hops came around to remind me this was an ale and not just a glorious find. It also had a malty background, unlike other saison interpretations I have had. My hat is off to the Smuttynose Brewing Company for creating such a great ale.

Re-rate based upon 2007 version: 22 oz bottle, pours a hazy light orange in color with a medium to large off white head. Aroma: Alot of dupont yeast: must, citrus esters and hops, peppery spice, light notes of honey. Taste: Citrusy fruit and musty, lightly funky dupont yeast mix nicely with a light honey sweetness and peppery spice. Medium bodied, finishes with spice and light citrus. A really good, american made saison.

Cask at GBBF 2009: lemon, spicy, yeasty, chestnuts on fire, wood, some sweetness, rich but not heavy, thirst quenching, very good.

22oz Bottle. A very well carbonated, pillowy pour of straw gold and crisp fine white head above. Aroma sends off a peach and apricot ester glow over some wheaty malt base and nice snap of yeast-based spice. Good. Flavor is expressive, if a touch hot. A bit of vibrant green peppercorn and tarragon, blended back with a touch of vermouth and some rum barrel. I love the high level of carbonation and the foamy explosiveness. It really gives the beer a fresh feel. Finishes on a brisk, grassy and green pear skin bite. Nice balance. As it warms and opens up more, it gives off a lot of apple tones.

Date: 08/12/08, 22 oz. bottle

Aroma -Inviting fruity aroma of peaches and apricots, giving way to some earthiness and finally a hint of peppery spice

Appearance - Pours a foggy orange with a fluffy white head that settles to a small layer that persists to the last swallow. Lace is spotty and slippery.

Flavor - Fruity sweetness hits early, a twinge of sourness follows, and finally a tangy and palate drying bitterness presents itself.

Palate - Medium body and carbonation, satisfying and palate coating mouthfeel

Overall- This a very nice saison, full of flavor, well balanced, and very refreshing.