Smuttynose - Old Brown Dog Ale

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Smuttynose - Old Brown Dog Ale
Smuttynose Brewing Company
Portsmouth, NH USA
Est.1994
www.smuttynose.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Deep rich brown color.
Hops, malts and maybe cinnamon or nutmeg in the aromas.
Soft warming feel and fruity, soft spice flavor.
Two finger head with some rings of lacing.
Sweet caramel malts and some nutty spices tickle the tongue.
Medium mouth feel and good balance of carbonation.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
There's Olive, perched on her pillow bed, posing for the camera. Good dog! Just a snapshot in time, capturing the moment of her grandeur. Looking like a 1989 GABF Silver Medal winner all the way!

The beer is a snapshot too, of what a good brown ale can be. Just like the working class dog in the photo, this beer will serve you well.  It has enough rich color and body along with some oomph to keep you up and going...perhaps for a walk? Did someone say 'go for a walk'???

Grab the leash and get down to the store to adopt one (or six) of these pups.  Get going.

Red Hook - ESB

Taps for a Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Red Hook - ESB
Red Hook Ale Brewery
35 Corporate Drive
Pease International Tradeport
Portsmouth, NH USA
14300 NE 145th St.
Woodinville, WA USA
Est.1981
www.redhook.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 (On Tap) 

Postmortem Brew Review
Amber with orange tint.
Bitter hops aromas, some malts coming through.
Soapy head; off-white color.
Lace coats glass well.
Tart, bitter, dry hopped taste.
Medium body with drying finish on the palate. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
A long time ago, I had a Red Hook beer.  It was in a bottle, had a 10 month old date on it and probably hadn't been handled very well during its shelf life.  At least not to Cicerone levels of expectation. But, as I said, that was a long time ago.

Walking into a new restaurant, the greeter gave us a choice between the tavern or the dining room.  Actually there was no choice.  It was going to be the tavern if I had my way, and I did.  Strolling by the tap selections I noticed the ESB handle and thought, "...it's been long enough to try a Red Hook again."  After all, it wasn't their fault the first one was bad.  But still, just the memory of it haunted me. Yes, me.

Well, the ESB, (Extra Special Bittering), was fresh, and it was bitter hopped and it was damn tasty.  So glad that I made that selection.  And although this wasn't the very best example of an ESB, it was very good indeed.  Now I must admit that I should go back and review that Long Hammer IPA sometime, to be sure it was just an aberration.

Smuttynose - Winter Ale

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Smuttynose - Winter Ale
Smuttynose Brewing Company
Portsmouth, NH USA
Est.1994
www.smuttynose.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy amber orange color.
Fruity, touch of yeast and other inviting complex aromas.
Soft warming feel and fruity, soft spice flavor.
One finger head with minimal lacing.
Medium mouth feel and carbonation.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Being greeted by man's best friend (the dog and the beer) is a truly wonderful way to end your day.  This winter ale hit the spot with big flavor and minimal ABV.  Here's one you could sit back and relax with on a cold winter's 'eve.  One after another after another. 

This is a terrific Belgian Dubbel style everyone will appreciate.  I must get acquainted with the other Smuttynose litter mates soon.  Good dog!  Good beer!

Red Hook - Long Hammer

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Long Hammer India Pale Ale
Red Hook Ale Brewery
35 Corporate Drive
Pease International Tradeport
Portsmouth, NH USA
14300 NE 145th St.
Woodinville, WA USA
Est.1981
www.redhook.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Weak hop aroma.
Slight sour fruit flavor and taste.
Long lasting head.
Cloudy from pour to finish, similar to wheat ales.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Very cloudy throughout, but not sure if it was intended. Palatable, but something seemed awry in taste. Maybe the 7/11/07 expiration date had something to do with it? I'll have to try again, sometime.