Our Score: 90/100
Smuttynose Brewing Company Gravitation Review
This craft ale from Smuttynose Brewing Company, Gravitation, promises a blend of rich malty flavors. My overall rating for this brew is 90/100, based on various aspects. Gravitation offers a pleasant drinking experience that fuses aromatic Belgian yeast fruitiness with the sweet undertones of dark fruit, rum, toffee and raisins.
Aroma: 12/20
Off the bat, the aroma of Gravitation draws you in. The dominant fragrances of pear, plum, and red apple create an immediate impression, supported by a convincing caramel malt character. This pleasant fruity sweetness is beautifully complemented by a gentle whisper of alcohol, adding an intriguing complexity to the overall aroma.
Appearance: 3/5
Gravitation has a deep, dark chestnut color, true to what its brewers claim. The appearance perfectly accentuates the richness of this flavorful Belgian ale, evoking a sense of anticipation for the taste that awaits.
Flavor: 18/25
Flavor is arguably the make or break characteristic of any brew, and Gravitation does not disappoint. There’s a noticeable fruit sweetness that echoes the aroma, with pear, apple, and plum playing leading roles once again. Complementing the fruity flavors is a cohesive and satisfactorily sweet malt character accompanied by subtle notes of caramel and slight toffee. These are topped off with a barely-there hint of spice. A pleasant warming sensation rounds off the flavor profile, which is balanced and relatively straightforward, albeit a tad on the light side.
Mouthfeel: 4/5
On the palate, Gravitation presents a pleasing journey. Moderate carbonation endows each sip with an animated bounce, while a warming surprise in the background contributes towards an enjoyable mouthfeel. The finish presents a touch of heat that helps to offset the otherwise sweet, fruity character of the beer.
Overall Thoughts
Gravitation is a well-integrated, fruity quad. It is brought together wonderfully with layers of pear, apple, and cherry flavors. Notwithstanding, it could borrow some extra malt richness and depth to balance the fruit-heavy notes. The heat in the finish manages to strike a dry, balancing note.
Despite not being the most thrilling quad I’ve sampled, it certainly holds its own in the flavor arena. A well-made, palatable brew, Smuttynose Brewing Company’s Gravitation leverages an attractive combination of components that amount to a commendable overall performance.
While not perfect, it remains an appealing option for a leisurely sip, one that promises a cascade of well-blended flavors dominated by distinctive fruity notes
Herbal and spicy notes, creating an inviting aroma overall.
Taste: 18/20
The taste of Gravitation lives up to its promising aroma. The rich malty flavors take center stage, with a strong presence of caramel, toffee, and dark fruit flavors like raisins and plums. The sweetness is balanced by a subtle hop bitterness, resulting in a well-rounded and enjoyable taste profile. The alcohol content of 11.5% is not overpowering, but it does add a warmth and complexity to the overall flavor.
Appearance: 16/20
This craft ale pours a deep amber color with a slight reddish hue. It forms a thick and lingering frothy tan head, which adds to the appeal. The beer has a medium body and good clarity, with just the right amount of carbonation that keeps it lively in the glass.
Overall Impression: 20/20
Smuttynose Brewing Company’s Gravitation is an impressive brew that showcases the mastery of the craft ale genre. Its blend of rich malty flavors, pleasant aroma, and expertly balanced taste make it a standout choice for beer enthusiasts. The 90/100 rating is well-deserved, as this beer offers a truly enjoyable drinking experience.
Overall Score: 90/100
Note: Scores are based on personal preference and may vary for individuals.
Spice, giving the beer a well-rounded and enticing aroma.
Appearance: 17/20
Gravitation pours a deep mahogany color with a thick, creamy tan head. The head retention is excellent, leaving behind a lovely lacing on the glass as you delve into this brew. The clarity is slightly hazy, adding to the allure of the beer’s appearance.
Taste: 19/20
The taste of Gravitation is where this beer truly shines. The complex blend of flavors is exceptional, with the malt sweetness intertwining perfectly with the Belgian yeast character. The initial notes of caramel and toffee provide a rich foundation, followed by a harmonious combination of dark fruit, rum, and raisins. The balance between the sweetness and the slight bitterness is spot-on, creating a truly enjoyable sipping experience.
Mouthfeel: 16/20
The mouthfeel of Gravitation is smooth and medium-bodied, with a slightly creamy texture. The carbonation level is just right, allowing the flavors to come through without being overly effervescent. The finish is pleasantly dry, leaving you eager for another sip.
Overall: 26/40
In conclusion, Smuttynose Brewing Company’s Gravitation is a top-notch craft ale that delivers on its promise of rich malty flavors. With its enticing aroma, appealing appearance, exceptional taste, and enjoyable mouthfeel, it is a beer that deserves recognition. While it may not be the most complex or mind-blowing offering in the world of Belgian-style ales, it is a solid choice that is sure to satisfy any beer enthusiast.
Spice and a hint of alcohol, giving it a complex and inviting aroma.
Appearance: 17/20
Gravitation pours a deep mahogany color with a thick, creamy off-white head that lingers. The beer has a hazy appearance, adding to its charm. The carbonation is subtle but present, creating a lively and appealing visual.
Taste: 19/20
When it comes to taste, Gravitation truly shines. The rich and malty flavors dominate, with notes of caramel, toffee, and dark fruit taking center stage. The sweetness is well-balanced, never overpowering, and the Belgian yeast adds a pleasant complexity. The finish is smooth, with a touch of warmth from the alcohol content.
Mouthfeel: 18/20
With a medium to full body, Gravitation has a luxurious and velvety mouthfeel. The carbonation adds a gentle effervescence, enhancing the overall drinking experience. The lingering sweetness and slight alcohol warmth leave a delightful aftertaste.
Overall: 24/40
Gravitation from Smuttynose Brewing Company is a well-crafted and enjoyable brew. It offers a delightful combination of rich malty flavors, fruity sweetness, and a touch of spice. The beer is well-balanced and has a smooth and inviting character. While it may not be the most complex or unique craft ale out there, it certainly delivers on taste and overall experience. I would highly recommend giving it a try if you enjoy malty beers with a Belgian twist.