Hutton & Smith "Basecamp" Blonde

I can't remember if I made comment about the labels that Hutton & Smith use on their beers. They are simple, dignified, and I can't help feeling that they could do more with them. Fortunately, they put the style of beer very prominently on the label and have all necessary information listed there about. It is very efficient, and it is very predictable. It reminds me of the lawyer's office that I can only assume operates on the floor above the Hutton & Smith brewery. Coincidentally, the lawyer's office is also named Hutton & Smith.

There is a slight haze to the gold beer that does not produce much of a head, and a dusting of small bubbles with a barely complete ring around the sides of the glass are all that remains after a bit. The aroma is coriander and yeast. There is a bread malt that is trying to add some substance to the beverage, but it is definitely being overwhelmed by the yeast.

First sip is quite refreshing. It is crisp, and it is un-daunting. The coriander and yeast are gentle while still imbuing enough flavor to prevent the beer from being watery. The malt, similarly, is just strong enough to do its job. I'm not sure there's a whole lot more to say about a very good sip that does a sip's job.

Tip-in is gentle carbonation caress with coriander and bread malt. The middle wanders in with the carbonation shooting to the top of the mouth while the coriander goes missing to allow the relatively gentle yeast and airy malt to usher in a refreshing fluid. The finish is coriander back hard to knock out the other flavors and bring a little too much to what is overall a nice, laid-back beer.

Bottom Line: Pretty good, and pretty refreshing.

3.5/5