Smuttynose Baltic Porter | Smuttynose Brewing Company
Brewed by:
Smuttynose Brewing Company
New Hampshire, United States
smuttynose.com
Style: Baltic Porter
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 9.24%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
35 IBU
2007 - 8.1%
2009 - 8.7
2010 - 9.02%
2013 - 9.8%
2015 - 9.0%
Added by GratefulBeerGuy on 01-22-2008
HISTOGRAM
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Ratings: 1,429 | Reviews: 580
4.28/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bottle Conditioned - May 2015.
Pours pitch black and oily. Thin tan head dissipates steadily leaving just a thin ring of mocha colored foam along the outside of the beer. Beer appears thick and viscous when poured.
Aroma has notes of cocoa, dark fruits, roasted malts, and molasses. Very nice aroma albeit somewhat subdued - however that is to be expected given the age of this bottle.
Taste is quite smoky with notes of roasted and smoked malts, molasses, chocolate, and dark fruits. Incredibly complex array of flavors. Not a ton of hops here, but again, not unexpected given the age of this bottle. The smokiness here really is quite lovely. No bitterness is left on the finish.
Feel is thick with a nice heft to it. Semi-dry finish. Light vibrant carbonation.
Overall this is a lovely beer and the age on this has done nothing but wonders.
852 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bottle Conditioned - May 2015.
Pours pitch black and oily. Thin tan head dissipates steadily leaving just a thin ring of mocha colored foam along the outside of the beer. Beer appears thick and viscous when poured.
Aroma has notes of cocoa, dark fruits, roasted malts, and molasses. Very nice aroma albeit somewhat subdued - however that is to be expected given the age of this bottle.
Taste is quite smoky with notes of roasted and smoked malts, molasses, chocolate, and dark fruits. Incredibly complex array of flavors. Not a ton of hops here, but again, not unexpected given the age of this bottle. The smokiness here really is quite lovely. No bitterness is left on the finish.
Feel is thick with a nice heft to it. Semi-dry finish. Light vibrant carbonation.
Overall this is a lovely beer and the age on this has done nothing but wonders.
852 characters
4.42/5 rDev +4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.91/5 rDev +15.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
3.52/5 rDev -17.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
A bit overrated by other reviewers. A solid stout all around but not exceptional like a Sam Smiths.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
A bit overrated by other reviewers. A solid stout all around but not exceptional like a Sam Smiths.
99 characters
4.25/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.37/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.35/5 rDev +2.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
12oz bottle marked "bottle conditioned Mar. 2015 ABV 9%" poured into a Smuttynose pint glass at fridge temp. The beer pours very dense, dark brown with a little bit of light brown head. The head recedes to a paper thin coating with a sheet of lacing working down the glass as consumed. The aroma is dark charred malt and a little bakers dark chocolate. The taste is roasty malts up front, then a little tangy flavor & maybe a little dark fruit, finishing with a big semisweet chocolate finale. Mouthfeel is medium to full bodied, well carbonated with a wet, yet uncloying finish. Overall, very good. I had cellered this bottle since 2015 and it makes me sad this is not available locally anymore. Recommended.
717 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
12oz bottle marked "bottle conditioned Mar. 2015 ABV 9%" poured into a Smuttynose pint glass at fridge temp. The beer pours very dense, dark brown with a little bit of light brown head. The head recedes to a paper thin coating with a sheet of lacing working down the glass as consumed. The aroma is dark charred malt and a little bakers dark chocolate. The taste is roasty malts up front, then a little tangy flavor & maybe a little dark fruit, finishing with a big semisweet chocolate finale. Mouthfeel is medium to full bodied, well carbonated with a wet, yet uncloying finish. Overall, very good. I had cellered this bottle since 2015 and it makes me sad this is not available locally anymore. Recommended.
717 characters
3.97/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
4.01/5 rDev -5.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
L — For a porter, pours a very dark brown with a two-finger light brown head produced with aerated pour. Minimal retention and some lacing
S — Molasses, barley malts, bakers chocolate, stonefruits, and a touch of smoke and bacon
T — Leads with a good amount of dark chocolate, well-roasted barley malts, and smoke. Followed by hints of dark roast coffee, molasses, and candied prune
F — Moderately thick, silky mouthfeel. Medium carb. Restrained bitterness on the finish
O — Reminds me a lot of Smutty’s Robust Porter, although a little more intense. Somewhat surprised that this is currently BeerAdvocate’s highest rated beer in New Hampshire since it’s pretty nondescript overall (although still well put together!)
81/100
747 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
L — For a porter, pours a very dark brown with a two-finger light brown head produced with aerated pour. Minimal retention and some lacing
S — Molasses, barley malts, bakers chocolate, stonefruits, and a touch of smoke and bacon
T — Leads with a good amount of dark chocolate, well-roasted barley malts, and smoke. Followed by hints of dark roast coffee, molasses, and candied prune
F — Moderately thick, silky mouthfeel. Medium carb. Restrained bitterness on the finish
O — Reminds me a lot of Smutty’s Robust Porter, although a little more intense. Somewhat surprised that this is currently BeerAdvocate’s highest rated beer in New Hampshire since it’s pretty nondescript overall (although still well put together!)
81/100
747 characters
4.53/5 rDev +6.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
3.69/5 rDev -13.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
From a 355ml bottle served slightly chilled at 17 degrees Celsius into a snifter. Best by date: 5.10.2018 – I've had the bottle for 10+ months.
Look: The beer pours an opaque dark brown with 2cm of dense, mocha head that quickly fades (1+ min) into a partial film on top of the beer. Poor lacing and poor overall head which can very likely be attributed to aging and the high ABV.
Smell: Strong and sweet. Roasted malts dominate the aroma with noticeable dark fruit, and a faint alcohol note. Coffee and black licorice are also present. An unfortunate wet cardboard note has developed.
Taste: Strong and bitter. Roasted malts with black licorice and a hint of smoke. Slightly herbal and a medicinal character. Definitely gone stale with some papery flavour and a metallic finish.
Feel: Full body with mild carbonation. Slick and smooth with a mildly too strong of an astringency (most likely from aging). Restrained and smooth alcohol warming.
Overall: A definitive sipper with a deep dark malt character, considerable bitterness, and pleasant warming from the alcohol. I've had this beer before and I know I love it. Unfortunately the aging did a number on it and the review reflects that. I'm looking forward to the next fresh sample and scoring the brew higher.
1,271 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
From a 355ml bottle served slightly chilled at 17 degrees Celsius into a snifter. Best by date: 5.10.2018 – I've had the bottle for 10+ months.
Look: The beer pours an opaque dark brown with 2cm of dense, mocha head that quickly fades (1+ min) into a partial film on top of the beer. Poor lacing and poor overall head which can very likely be attributed to aging and the high ABV.
Smell: Strong and sweet. Roasted malts dominate the aroma with noticeable dark fruit, and a faint alcohol note. Coffee and black licorice are also present. An unfortunate wet cardboard note has developed.
Taste: Strong and bitter. Roasted malts with black licorice and a hint of smoke. Slightly herbal and a medicinal character. Definitely gone stale with some papery flavour and a metallic finish.
Feel: Full body with mild carbonation. Slick and smooth with a mildly too strong of an astringency (most likely from aging). Restrained and smooth alcohol warming.
Overall: A definitive sipper with a deep dark malt character, considerable bitterness, and pleasant warming from the alcohol. I've had this beer before and I know I love it. Unfortunately the aging did a number on it and the review reflects that. I'm looking forward to the next fresh sample and scoring the brew higher.
1,271 characters
4.19/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.38/5 rDev +3.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Not very experienced in porters, however this is my favorite by far... Very well balanced, jet black in appearance. I get chocolate, coffee, raisins, and even toffee in the taste. Extremely smooth and easy drinking. I will definitely keep picking this up when I see it. Extremely reasonable too...
300 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Not very experienced in porters, however this is my favorite by far... Very well balanced, jet black in appearance. I get chocolate, coffee, raisins, and even toffee in the taste. Extremely smooth and easy drinking. I will definitely keep picking this up when I see it. Extremely reasonable too...
300 characters
4.18/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
3.98/5 rDev -6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Bottle - decants jet black, defies light getting through the glass - smallish tan cap forms surface lace. Aroma of dried fig-dates, roasted grain char and whispers of sweet burnt treacle. Medium- heavy bodied, slick mouthfeel. Flavor has firm Baltic Porter characteristics - roasty, plenty of roast grain body, dried dark fruit tones, some smoke, licorice notes, burnt treacle...long wet finish dries up a bit with some bittering and roast astringency - a very decent American dry Baltic - nice for sipping or pairing up with some shell fish.
542 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Bottle - decants jet black, defies light getting through the glass - smallish tan cap forms surface lace. Aroma of dried fig-dates, roasted grain char and whispers of sweet burnt treacle. Medium- heavy bodied, slick mouthfeel. Flavor has firm Baltic Porter characteristics - roasty, plenty of roast grain body, dried dark fruit tones, some smoke, licorice notes, burnt treacle...long wet finish dries up a bit with some bittering and roast astringency - a very decent American dry Baltic - nice for sipping or pairing up with some shell fish.
542 characters
4.43/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4/5 rDev -5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This was poured into an English pint glass. The appearance was a pure dark jet black pour. A slight one and a half finger white to off white foamy head dissipated within less than a minute. Lacing just quickly slides into the beer. The smell starts off with sweet rich dark chocolate with a nice leading edge of some dark fruits coming in lightly to keep it sweet. Light bitter and roasty coffee beans show some nice balance to boot in the aroma. The taste follows through in the previously noted aromas. The lager yeast helps a tad little bit of breadiness to make a smooth transition to the aftertaste and give off a sly little bit of semi-sweet sticky little bit of a finish. On the palate, this one sat about a medium in body with a good sessionability about it. Carbonation runs really light causing a big stickiness to develop and surround my tongue. Overall, I say this was a really nice Baltic Porter, maybe I just could have had it at the right time too. It really aged nicely!
986 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This was poured into an English pint glass. The appearance was a pure dark jet black pour. A slight one and a half finger white to off white foamy head dissipated within less than a minute. Lacing just quickly slides into the beer. The smell starts off with sweet rich dark chocolate with a nice leading edge of some dark fruits coming in lightly to keep it sweet. Light bitter and roasty coffee beans show some nice balance to boot in the aroma. The taste follows through in the previously noted aromas. The lager yeast helps a tad little bit of breadiness to make a smooth transition to the aftertaste and give off a sly little bit of semi-sweet sticky little bit of a finish. On the palate, this one sat about a medium in body with a good sessionability about it. Carbonation runs really light causing a big stickiness to develop and surround my tongue. Overall, I say this was a really nice Baltic Porter, maybe I just could have had it at the right time too. It really aged nicely!
986 characters
4.83/5 rDev +13.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Pours a very rich looking brown, with a half finger of tan head that leaves a decent lacing. The aroma is rich roasted malt, molasses/brown sugar, slight alcohol, baker's chocolate, black licorice, and mild java. Flavor is really nice and rich. Big chocolate and molasses, mild coffee, toffee, and I want to say black licorice again. That's what comes to mind. No alcohol hit in the flavor. The feel is luxurious. Thick and full bodied, medium full carbonation, sticky, but drying on the finish. Really suits me, on every level for an imperial porter. Excellent!
562 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Pours a very rich looking brown, with a half finger of tan head that leaves a decent lacing. The aroma is rich roasted malt, molasses/brown sugar, slight alcohol, baker's chocolate, black licorice, and mild java. Flavor is really nice and rich. Big chocolate and molasses, mild coffee, toffee, and I want to say black licorice again. That's what comes to mind. No alcohol hit in the flavor. The feel is luxurious. Thick and full bodied, medium full carbonation, sticky, but drying on the finish. Really suits me, on every level for an imperial porter. Excellent!
562 characters
4.17/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
12 oz bottle, best before 6/19/2017.
Pours very dark brown (almost black) and opaque with a very small tan head that shows poor retention. Fantastic aroma filled with raisin, caramel, chocolate and roasted malt. The raisin/fruitiness aspect of this beer is strong and really comes out in the flavor. There is a bit of a vinous quality to it as well. It has a lot in common with an Imperial Stout, but it's so smooth and there's no sign of hops. Medium-full bodied and beyond easy to drink for the 9% ABV. Another winner from Smuttynose. The only thing I would change is to increase the carbonation, but it's a damn good beer regardless.
637 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
12 oz bottle, best before 6/19/2017.
Pours very dark brown (almost black) and opaque with a very small tan head that shows poor retention. Fantastic aroma filled with raisin, caramel, chocolate and roasted malt. The raisin/fruitiness aspect of this beer is strong and really comes out in the flavor. There is a bit of a vinous quality to it as well. It has a lot in common with an Imperial Stout, but it's so smooth and there's no sign of hops. Medium-full bodied and beyond easy to drink for the 9% ABV. Another winner from Smuttynose. The only thing I would change is to increase the carbonation, but it's a damn good beer regardless.
637 characters
4.34/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
Dark black with a small tan head. Tastes and smells of bitter dark chocolate and coffee with some sweetness. Hop bitterness is somewhat present as well. The mouthfeel is amazing, right where it should be. This is probably the best porter that I have yet to try.
261 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
Dark black with a small tan head. Tastes and smells of bitter dark chocolate and coffee with some sweetness. Hop bitterness is somewhat present as well. The mouthfeel is amazing, right where it should be. This is probably the best porter that I have yet to try.
261 characters
4.28/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Smuttynose Baltic Porter from Smuttynose Brewing Company
Beer rating:
4.25 out of
5 with
1,429 ratings
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