
We are in the middle of a kitchen renovation. Anyone who has been through one knows how that can upend the entire household. This photograph was taken on the counter where the coffeemaker usually sits, because it was one of the few counters or walls that wasn't torn apart at the time.
Today's beer is a pale ale from Smuttynose Brewing Company in Hampton, New Hampshire. I've enjoyed their brews in the past, having been drawn to trying them by the wonderful name of the brewery. But don't let the name deter you, there is nothing "smutty" about their beers.
As you can tell, even in this stark photo, the Shoals Pale Ale has a pleasing amber color. It looks good in the glass.
The aroma has the fruitiness you'd expect from a well-hopped ale. The fruity, hop sensation is also the first impression you get when you first taste the beer as well. This is followed by a somewhat bitter earthy taste. But then this mellows out into a smooth, malty finish. Their web site mentions some suggesting the ale has the taste of freshly baked bread. I didn't have that in my notes but with the power of suggestion maybe you'll be able to detect it.
Not a beer I would drink all night, but pleasant enough when you're having one or two.
Shoals Pale Ale is part of the "year round" lineup from Smuttynose according to their website. I found it as part of a Smuttynose Sample 12 pack. You can check out their website here. They give their schedule for tours and also state that an onsite restaurant will be opening the fall of this year (2014). So a good excuse to take a drive to picturesque New Hampshire.
I give Shoals Pale Ale from Smuttynose Brewing 7 mugs out of 10.