Brews and Blues Beer and Smokin’ Blues

Smuttynose Farmhouse Ale

Brewery: Smuttynose Brewing Co.
Where: Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Beer: Farmhouse Ale (Big Beer Series)
Style: Saison / Farmhouse Ale
IBU: N/A
ABV: 8.8%

After tasting several other Saisons recently, I decided to give this one a try when I found it on the shelf at Gail's Hops and Grapes.  Smuttynose is also a new brewery on my list that I haven't tried.  When I read the label I noticed that this beer is part of a BIG BEER series, so it's not a standard run brew and its probably seasonal as well. 

One of the defining characteristics of this beer style is the fruity notes with some hints of spiciness right behind it on the tongue.  This beer has an excellent fruity aroma along with that spicy kick.  In fact, the spice kick of this beer may be slightly higher than I personally enjoy in a beer like this, but it's an excellent beer none-the-less.  At 8.8% ABV, its another beer that needs to warm up just a tad in the glass before you dig in...  From the website:

Broadly speaking, a farmhouse ale - or saison - is an esoteric style native to the French / Belgian border region.  Characterized by a golden to light amber color, light to medium body, and noticeable fruit / spicy esters, this beer, known also as a "country ale" was traditionally brewed in primitave conditions in farmhouse breweries for consumption throughout the warm weather by seasonal farm workers.

Gail's also had their Baltic Porter from this series that I might try down the road...