Smuttynose Gravitation Belgian Quad (Presidential Brief)

What: Smuttynose Gravitation Belgian Quad 12% abv
Where: The Pour House (Westmont, NJ)
When: August, 2010
What-have-you: "Smuttynose 'Gravitation' Quadruple Ale. At The Pour House. Biiiiiig beeeeeer.  Not the typical quad; creamier and oakier and vanilla-ier flavors prevail.  YUM."

Smuttynose Gravitation Belgian Quad

Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale (Presidential Brief)

What: Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale 6.3%abv
Where: The Institute Bar (Philadelphia, PA)
When: September 26, 2009, 6:00PM
What-have-you: "Holy moly. This beer could be a little overwhelming if you're a beginner. Draft is way more wine-like than the bottle version. Draft is also a little less creamy but no less impressive. Awesome."

Read all of our Pumpkin Beer Reviews!

Citizen Review Cheryl Smuttynose Porter

Smuttynose Porter:

"A little watery -- expected

more bitter + less sweet

a decent porter"

Representation: 1.0

Accessibility: .25

Style Points: .50

Personal Preference: .50

Total Score: 2.25 Flags

Smuttynose Winter Ale

Smuttynose Winter Ale:

Tall, dark, and handsome, this winter ale has a really hearty winter feel to it. I took a few sips from the bottle but it opens up quite nicely in a pint glass. The spicy notes mellow out and the mouthfeel can really be experienced -- pretty darn smooth. Oh, I enjoy the bitterness. But it really doesn't come from hops -- no, its kind of a cocoa thing. Mind you, chocolate stouts provide a more over-the-top vehicle for extreme chocolate brewing, whereas the Smuttynose Winter simply employs the essence to enhance the rest of the formula. This winter ale is a mellower version, yet a hearty ale. Strong, silent type I guess.

Winter warmer fans should check out Smuttynose Winter Ale because it has some familiar notes floating around in it but it isn't as bold as some winter or Christmas-style ales tend to be. Ale drinkers will be impressed by the body and accessibility of this dandy beverage. The more sips I have, the more accessible it becomes. Goes down smooth but not without making its mark. Comparable to previous versions of Anchor Holiday Ale, Smuttynose comes through once again with a solid seasonal offering. Don't miss this one.

Smuttynose Winter Ale:

Representation: .9

Accessibility: .875

Style: .875

Personal Preference: .9

Total Score: 3.55 Flags

Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale

Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale:

Extremely even. Medium-bodied but on the larger side of medium. Super smooth ale. An exceptional beer even without the pumpkin. But add the spicy flavor of everyone's favorite gourd, and a true legend emerges. This beer could be brewed and enjoyed all year round, but of course it's perfect for the Halloween holiday. Take this bit of advice: This beer is so elegant, classy, and solid that it is NOT a gimmicky Halloween beer. Save some for Thanksgiving and take it to the in-laws' house (if you don't mind sharing your private stash with them). Smuttynose has all of the lovely traits that I found in the Buffalo Bill's offering. Smuttynose takes them to a slightly higher level. Very impressive.

Everything I've ever tried from Smuttynose has been excellent. The Pumpkin Ale is no exception. It's an awesome beer, first and foremost. It's an awesome pumpkin beer, too. Don't miss it this fall. Anyone who says they like beer must try this one before it goes away for another year.

(Click HERE to see the results of the Ultimate Pumpkin Showdown!)