Finestkind IPA - Smuttynose Brewing Company

    Finestkind IPA is an India Pale Ale brewed by the Smuttynose Brewing Company in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. I was first confused as to where exactly the word "smuttynose" came from, but after a small bit of research, I found that it's an area in New Hampshire that a large number of harbor seals call home. Smuttynose Brewing states that their Finestkind IPA is a tribute to hop-heads and the American growers of hops alike.

    Finestkind IPA pours a hazy, light orange with a huge two-finger head with amazing retention. The foam leaves more of a blanketing on the glass than a light lacing. There is a good amount of lees (sediment) floating around in the unfiltered beer.

    The India Pale Ale is lightly scented with citrus hops. The main aroma present, however, is light pale malt with its biscuity/bready scents.

    Finestkind has a very nice mouthfeel. A medium body and moderate carbonation level combine to create a thick, creamy sensation. There is a small bit of hops astringency to the brew. The IPA has an alcohol content of 6.9% ABV.

Looks like it gets his seal of approval!

    Smuttynose's IPA isn't overloaded with hops varieties and flavors. Instead, Finestkind focuses on one or two hops flavors and balances them incredibly well with each other and the malt characteristics in the ale. Light, flowery, and fruity hops flavors are presented up front. Next, the resiny, more bitter hops flavors briefly show up before being mellowed by the pale malt's sweetness. There is enough of a slight bitter aftertaste to keep you wanting more.

    Finestkind is a great example of a success in focusing on one simple thing, and doing it well. Smuttynose could have added five different hops varieties, only to have balance go out the window. Instead, they created an IPA that is incredibly enjoyable and simple. This is definitely not going to blow your mind if you're a hops fan, but it will certainly scratch that itch for a good, hops-driven ale.

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