Smuttynose Big A IPA
I’ve been a fan of Smuttynose’s beers for a while now, in particular I’ve been consistently impressed by how much their regular IPA stands out among other IPAs in the New England beer scene. The majority of IPAs made in New England lean towards the British style of IPA – hoppy while still essentially striking a balance between maltiness and hops. Smuttynose’s IPA on the other hand is aggresively hoppy, giving it a great aroma and a very fresh flavor and mouthfeel.
I first had the chance to try their Big A IPA at the Dirty Truth in Northampton last Spring. I was totally impressed, right from the gun. Ever since then I’ve been vainly looking for it in bottle-form, and only just recently happened across it in a shop in Providence. Needless to say, I snapped up a few bottles to hold onto, and this is the first that I’ve opened.
The Big A IPA is more than just a heightened version of their regular IPA. The hops in the nose and the palate are spicier than the those in the regular IPA. And of course, after that everything is different. The nose displays spicy hops accentuated by a malty sweetness. The head has a creamy look to it and leaves a pronounced lacing on the sides of the glass. The palate is dominated by hops, front to back. But again, instead of citrusy hops they are decidedly of the spicy variety. There is both strong bitterness and hop flavor, in equal measures. Alongside the hops there is a significant malt element, contributing a thick mouthfeel and a velvety sweetness. Tons of body to this beer. The finish is hops, and then some more hops. Basically, what your palate is left with is a residual hop bitterness that just lingers on.
This beer is a clear winner, although I have to admit that my preference is for their regular IPA. While the Big A IPA is a great and enjoyable beer, it is a mouthfull and you really have to plan when to dive into it. The regular IPA on the other hand is totally enjoyable, and a great “session” beer, much more approachable. So in sum, I’d say that everyone should go out and find this beer (especially on draft where it really shows its legs) A.S.A.P. It’s worth the search. But after you have one, then try the regular IPA and see where your own preference lies.
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