Smuttynose Portsmouth Lager

12 oz. bottle. Pours a hazy gold with a moderate white head that disappears after the first two sips and left no lace. Mild aroma of malt along with some grassy hops. The flavor is again mild malt up front with some hops bitterness at the finish. Hoppier than the typical lager, which is a plus, but not as smooth as some of the better lagers. An ok beer, but probably not something I’d come back to.

Pours a clear amber colour with a tint of orange. Thin white head, that is only temporarily visible. It quickly leaves behind a small creamy top. Aroma is malty, slight pear and a bit nutty. Mouthfeel is very full, flavors are semi sweet and nutty as well. Finishes very smooth, but light and refreshing. Very clear in taste.

12oz bottle. Nose is semi-sweet honey malts and semi-sharp wheat. A full bodied palate and a medium sweet flavor of pure cracked barley and clean wheat bread is refreshing, vibrant and pure in flavor. A light note of resinous corn hints at marzen, while the lighter wheat germ and saltine cracker notes signal pils. All in all it’s actually really tasty.

Draught. Pours dark gold, medium white head with good lacing. Aroma is toasty, maybe a bit of breadcrust in the nose. Taste is toasty, slightly biscuity malt, with a slightly floral hoppy note and a lingering, very delicate, clean bitterness on the finish. Body is light but not watery, with moderate carbonation. Great, very drinkable lager.

On tap at the brewpub during the KtG release: Like the rest of the beers in the lineup that day this was a really well-make and balanced beer.