Newport Storm - James (Cyclone Series)
Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co.

Newport Storm - James (Cyclone Series)Newport Storm - James (Cyclone Series)
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From:
Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co.
 
Rhode Island, United States
Style:
Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy
ABV:
8%
Score:
87
Avg:
3.88 | pDev: 6.7%
Reviews:
24
Ratings:
28
Status:
Retired
Rated:
May 27, 2014
Added:
Oct 29, 2008
Wants:
  3
Gots:
  0
Named after one of our brewers, James was brewed to be a Strong Scotch Ale traditionally known as a “Wee Heavy.” Brewed with a massive malt bill and mashed in at a higher than normal temp, we aimed to create a very complex malt profile. By using some Belgian crystal malt and boiling for an extra 30 minutes to create kettle caramelization, flavors of caramel, smoke, raisins and brown sugar abound. The use of a small percentage of Peat malt in the mash gives James the traditional smoked character found in Scottish Ales. James was lightly hopped with English hops, enough to give it balance, but without interfering with the malt characteristics that make this brew one to warm you to the core.

20 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by ybnorml:
Photo of ybnorml
Reviewed by ybnorml from Rhode Island

4.07/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A clean dark brown beer with some ruby highlights. Has a small tan head and a little lace. The aroma has a light smokiness to it with an under lying coffee character. Upheld by a solid sweet malt backbone. A sweet malt note tickles the tip of your tongue. As the roasted malt coffee character washes over the middle of your tongue. Then the smoke note joins with a snappy bitterness as it washes down the throat leave a hint of smoke behind.
Dec 23, 2008
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4 by Latarnik from New Jersey

May 27, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by t0rin0 from California

Sep 16, 2012
 
Rated: 3 by JAHMUR from Connecticut

Jan 16, 2012
 
Rated: 4 by nmann08 from Virginia

Nov 28, 2011
Photo of koopa
Reviewed by koopa from New Jersey

3.9/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
12oz bottle received as an extra in a trade with a generous BA thanks!

Appearance: Pours an attractive, albeit standard, earth brown with red tinge. The crown is 1 finger, off white (slightly mocha), shows moderate retention, and decent lace.

Smell: Rich malty notes, touches of peat, hints of toffee, and maybe some brown sugar...

Taste: Same as nose. Peat and malty goodness lead the way but the mouthfeel takes away from flavor a bit.

Mouthfeel: I'm a bit disappointed by the mouthfeel. Just a touch bigger than medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Drinks like a Scottish Ale rather than a Scotch Ale.

Overall: A pretty solid beer but no stand out in the pack.
Jun 06, 2011
Photo of BeerAdvocate
Reviewed by BeerAdvocate from Finland

3.7/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Review from BeerAdvocate magazine Vol. III Issue I:

Good copper-brown color for a Scotch Ale, as many are simply too dark. The head retention is not too shabby either. A little taffy on the first whiff, then the subtle smokiness and the bready malt sweetness hits the nose. Fluffy, full body with enough smoothness to get by. Subtle smoke to start, highly toasted malt breadiness and a faint warming alcohol. After the initial wave of flavor, the smokiness rises a little higher and the sweetness of the malt fleshes out a bit more and balance is tasted, though the alcohol stays hidden for the most part. Hints of toasted bread crust, chicory and faint brown sugar.

Right on target, a lovely sipper here. Slip this one in as a weekend lunch beer, and a nap is sure to ensue.
Sep 20, 2010
Photo of brentk56
Reviewed by brentk56 from North Carolina

4.03/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance: Pours a clear russet with a bountiful head that leaves quite the pattern of lace behind

Smell: Taffy sweetness along with subtle smoked peat elements

Taste: Up front, the taffy and caramel flavors dominate, with a subtle turn toward the peat emerging by mid-palate; after the swallow, the smoky elements add a subtle complexity to the finish

Mouthfeel: Medium to full body with moderate carbonation

Drinkability: A really fine example of a Wee Heavy; the sweetness is toned down and the peat and smoke flavors are nicely restrained as well

Thanks, CharlesDarwin, for the opportunity
May 09, 2010
Photo of degerbah
Reviewed by degerbah from Ohio

3.82/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
Pours an opaque and somewhat cloudy brown with very little head. The malt smell on this is huge. Lots of caramel sweetness that is almost overpowering. The taste is much more subtle and more balanced than the smell. The maltiness tends to be more smokey than sweet which I didn't expect at all. Reminds me a little bit of a rauchbier. Tastes slightly thick, but not boozey. The lack of carbonation is also a little disconcerting. I feel that a little more carbonation would help it be an easier drinker, but it is still very good. A slightly alcoholic aftertaste goes well with the smokiness, but makes the beer more of a sipper. So much flavor, it tastes slightly different each time I take a sip. Good but nothing spectacular.
Dec 09, 2009
Photo of mwa423
Reviewed by mwa423 from Ohio

4.26/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Got as a trade at Dark Lord Day '09. Thanks to whoever traded this with me. Hope I gave you something good..

A - Pours a very hazy brown with small white head that latched onto the side of the glass.

S - Fantastic smell, lots of malt, plenty of whiskey aromas, along with some smoke and bitters.

T - An interesting combination of smoke and malt with a faint whiskey aftertaste. By far on the top end of scotch ales I have ever had. Other flavors that go through the mouth are dried fruit and a bit of oak.

M/D - Mouthfeel is rich and enjoyable, carbonation level is perfect. The beer I easily kept swirling around the mouth when I was picking up more and more new flavors. As for drinkability, while this (if I had more of) I could drink more of it would go slowly.
Dec 09, 2009
Photo of Halcyondays
Reviewed by Halcyondays from California

3.95/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
From a 12 oz. bottle,

A: Pours a medium brown, lightly hazy with a small white head.

S: Definite brown malt, caramel, sugar.

T: Very full flavour of molasses and brown sugar. Notes of maple syrup and smoke/charcoal make a small appearance. Tasty for sure.

M: Medium/full-bodied, has some viscosity, smooth, can be cloying.

D: This is a very nice beer, I think drinking it in the heat lowered the drinkablity score a little, but for those cool winter nights this would be a brew I could really get into. My first beer from Coastal Extreme, well done.
Sep 06, 2009
Photo of JohnGalt1
Reviewed by JohnGalt1 from Idaho

3.77/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3
12oz received (as an extra!) in a very rushed trade from JusDrinkit.. Dave came through in a pinch with flying colors.. Huge thanks.. Shared this one with Brenda ... mine poured into my tiny La Trappe snifter.

3/4" head drips leaving nice lace and a dark brown brew...

Nose has a deep maltiness as expected with some subtle background caramel.. a little fruitiness I think.. but I'm having a hard time distinguishing the different elements... there is alot of stuff going on with this brew.. peat really starts to show as it warms..

Flavor is pretty damn nice... hints of smoke with quite a bit of caramel and rich maltiness.. an odd smack of nuttiness is appreciated but does seem a little unexpected.. the fruity esters are alot more restrained than the aroma.. still a slight bit of raisin is there. Peat smoke sorta builds with drink after drink.. it makes want a sip... then a little later another sip.. and then even later and even less another sip.. the smoke definitely adds up on this one and is probably outta whack even for this style (and especially my preferences). The body is a firm medium with a near perfect carbonation for the style..

I am sure I like this one... but for "style", there is alot of peat. I am digging it.. but even with the shared 12'er, there is a little bit left in the bottle and I am looking to something to sorta clean off the smoke...

Thanks again, Dave.. You came through when I asked BA to help me out... I hope you like your brews as much as I like mine.

3.5/4/4/4/3

Edit: Brenda says with her minor pour.. that the end of the glass reminds her of beef jerky.
Jun 22, 2009
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Reviewed by tpd975 from Florida

4/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A great big hell yeah goes out to Pamola (Kyle) for going out of your way to get me this one to cross Rhode Island off my state list.

A: Pours a very very dark shade of ruby red with a nice creamy head. Okay retention and beautiful sheet lacing most of the way down the glass.

S: Nice Wee Heavy aromas. Lots of rich sweet caramel malt with hints of brown sugar and a touch of smoke.

T: Very tasty as well. Wonderful complex sweet malt flavors. Caramel, brown sugar, and molasses are all there. A hint of smokey dark roast peeks through in the finish with just a touch of earth.

M: On the fuller side of medium, rich, and smooth.

D: Tasty and drinkable.

Thanks Kyle for sending this one. It not only crosses Rhode Island off my list, but it does it with style!
Jun 16, 2009
Photo of morebeergood
Reviewed by morebeergood from Massachusetts

3.78/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Picked up a six pack on my way back from RI a few weeks ago, and finally cracked some open last night. Poured into a standard pint glass. Dark brown color, very opaque body. Very nice looking head formed that lasted a long time. Excellent amount of lacing. Smelled like slightly burnt caramel. Taste was very good. Nice amount of smoked peat flavor comes through, but also has a slight sugariness to it. Quite a full body to this beer. Somewhat high abv is noticeable once I started the second beer. Finally, a beer from Coastal Brewing that I really enjoyed.
Jun 05, 2009
Photo of msubulldog25
Reviewed by msubulldog25 from Oregon

3.93/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
A 12 oz. bottle that came as a surprise from Wasatch. After missing out on the first 8 in the series, this is my second 'Cyclone' in a row. Poured to a pint.

A: A cloudy and unfiltered richness, deep and tawny. Healthy head of froth, starts at about a finger and dwindles to a thin cap of cream. Through the garnet depths, a fair of amount of carbonation rises. Lace in broken cobwebs.

S: Nothing too outstanding, but a general toffee/malt sweetness, mild fruit and traces of woody smoke.

T: Big caramel, not too sweet. Balanced layering of peat gives a robust earthiness, mild hops give some spicy bite. The smoky huskiness builds over time, mellowing the sweetness further.

M: Fuller body without an overburdened heaviness. Smooth, creamy, veiled alcohol despite tipping the scales at 8%.

D: Very likable. One of the better Scotch Ales I recall having. Would have this again; recommend trying one if it's still around. Thanks again, John, for sending.
May 03, 2009
Photo of michaelgrant1983
Reviewed by michaelgrant1983 from Rhode Island

4.08/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Had this brew over the winter and damn was it a good one. You can definitely get the peat that they used in brewing it. Can you believe it, peat. Now that's a brewery going out of its way to make a good brew, especially one from little ole' RI. Thick head on it. The beer pours in very thick as well. Great flavor to it, but still easily drinkable in my opinion. I've had a few scotch ale's that took concentration just to finish one, but these went down easy. Good beer.
Apr 26, 2009
Photo of soccerman7
Reviewed by soccerman7 from Vermont

3.91/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
A - A nice mahogany color with a cap of white foam that lingered.

S - A bit restrained in the nose. Whiffs of malt and bread with a faint note of smoke almost.

T - Rather surprisingly good. Reminds me of a weaker version of their storm of the year 06' minus the barrel character. Very nice malt and bread flavors. There is a deeper earthy character that really goes well with the brew. A peat like bite on the finish

M - Rather sharp on the finish for the style. Very nice lingering flavor though and fairly smooth on the body.

D - Really liked this one and actually would love to see this in a seasonal fall production. Very nice and worth the try.
Apr 01, 2009
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Reviewed by auxiliary from Rhode Island

3.65/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
appearance - Dark amber with a small white head that left some lace ont the glass.

smell - Roasted malts, caramel.

taste - Caramelm, smokey, and some hops. Nice balance.

mouthfeel - Medium-full body.

drinkability - Easy drinking beer, bit smokey for a scotch ale.
Mar 29, 2009
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Reviewed by barleywinebrewer from New Hampshire

3.73/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
I guess they must have a good number of cyclones hitting newport as this series has a good number of brews. A nice slightly smoky very malty brew. I think what stood out for me the most was the caramel sweetness. An interesting example of the style. Enjoyed over a pizza dinner.
Feb 18, 2009
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Reviewed by donkeyrunner from Massachusetts

3.48/5  rDev -10.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3
See-through oxblood color with ruby highlights. Average tan head that leaves a snowfall of lace and stays 'til the end.

Smells of thick, toasty caramel malt, scotch smoke and mild woody hop.

Heavy caramel malt and molasses up front followed smokey peat and mild hop spice. Dried apricot aftertaste. Thick and chewy mouthfeel and hardly a sign of 8% abv. This beer tastes grumpy.

Overall a good represention of style but not as memorable as many Scotch ales.
Feb 11, 2009
Newport Storm - James (Cyclone Series) from Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co.
Beer rating: 87 out of 100 with 28 ratings