I was back east in January and bought a suitcase full of beer I can't get in CA. While sitting at the Dogfish brew pub the people next to me started discussing West Coast IPA's, several of which came from San Diego. I chimed in. Most of the discussion was related to recent price increases and Green Flash's new 4 pack of bottles for the same price as their 6 pack.
The topic then turned to affordable hoppy beers. Smuttynose came up pretty quick. I had never even heard of it. When the group realized I had never tasted this brew it was like the DJ stopped playing music instantly. They all froze. Upon leaving the pub I figured I had to stop and grab a bottle. At the local liquor store a 22 oz bomber was $1.99. I figured it was mis-labelled but it wasn't. Could a truly good beer be available for $2?
This beer is good. Well balanced. Good hop flavor. It's very reminiscent of a West Coast, kick you in the face, hoppy IPA. Yes, it is a tremendous value. No, they do not filter very well. The beer had sediment chunks. I don't care. When I home brew this happens. Just the way it goes. I didn't expect it with a commercial outfit, but it was a solid beer none the less. Very well balanced. A lot of times with beers of this style you get a punch somewhere in the taste, but this was clean and finished with a citrus tingle in your mouth. It had the right amount of malts to hops to balance the beer out nicely. A very drinkable IPA. Almost a session beer.
Based on price, flavor, etc this is a solid 7. If I find myself back east soon I will definitely try their other beers.
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