East Coast Common from Smuttynose Brewing Co.
As we endure this odd New Hampshire winter, one thinks of warmer climates where distant friends or family members send emails with pics of their loved ones splashing in the pleasant waters of that far-off land. These destinations usually include names such as San Diego, San Francisco or any other San name from sunny California. Dwelling on the west coast weather during our coldness makes us also think of west coast beers. A style that is popular there is referred to as California Common; a lager beer brewed with local fragrant hops balanced with specialty grains. Smuttynose brings this tradition here to NH with a re-release called East Coast Common.
Smuttynose leads our NH beer race by recently completing a $22 million expansion on the Towle Farm property in Hampton with a reception space for events and wedding receptions, the Hayseed Farm-style Restaurant and, of course, a fabulous, exquisitely designed, ecologically-centered brewery. As an example, they use heat captured by the cooling fluid used in post-brewing to heat the brewery during the winter months. This expansion happens at the precise time that Smutty and the rest of the craft beer seen are experiencing huge growth and are being recognized as “shakers and movers.”
You can find out more about their offerings on www.facebook.com/Smuttynose or at their website www.smuttynose.com.
East Coast Common was originally produced last year in conjunction with Stoneface and Great Rhythm Brewing companies to celebrate Portsmouth’s Beer Week. It featured 5 different malts (grains) and a new-to-the-market hop called Bravo which was used in the initial bittering. Flavoring hops include Sorachi Ace and dry hopped with Citra and more Sorachi. The release was so popular that Smutty decided to produce it again this year in 22 oz bottles as a limited release.
Pouring this coppery-orange liquid into a pint glass, you’ll glimpse the thick white head billowing over pure gold. As you approach your first sip, you are greeted by a rush of fruity esters; melon and pear, pineapple and mango. Your first sip will agree with your nose as the tastes match the scents. A great maltiness ensues with a mild bittering at the end of the experience. This beer has an ABV 0f 7.4%. To the novice or seasoned beer enthusiast, this is a must-taste beer!
With the many other offerings from Smuttynose, you will always find it at Case-n-Keg, Meredith and Laconia. Although no official rating has been listed, most on BeerAdvocate.com have rated this beer from 4.4+ out of a score of 5. Folks on RateBeer.com were almost as friendly as well. Smuttynose has once again brought us another winner. This beer is around for a short while so go and find for it today. Like all good things, it will soon be gone.
Jim MacMillan is the owner of WonByOne Design of Meredith, NH, and is an avid imbiber of craft brews and a home brewer as well. Send him your recommendations and brew news to wickedbrews@weirs.com.
