Old Brown Dog Ale -- Smuttynose (Portsmouth, NH)

Simple, easy drinking -- very much an everyday beer.  I first picked this up because I liked the picture of the dog on the packaging and wanted a brown... and I've gone back many times since.

Characteristics: Rich brown color with amber overtones in the light, light-to-medium body, slightly fruity but with a dry finish. 

Minor Gripes: Somewhat limited store distribution here in DC, and I haven't seen yet it in a bar or restaurant.

Bottom Line: Since Newcastle bottles don't seem to fare well in transit to the US, this has become my default brown ale -- it's that good.

Rating: 7.5/10