Why Beer Steins Have Lids

Not all beer steins have lids but centuries ago it was required by law in Germany for a beer stein to have a lid. The purpose was to prevent the plague. It was thought that fleas getting into the beer spread disease which was true. Hence, the lid of a stein was born. 

German beer steins are highly collectible. They have been popular for hundreds of years because of their craftsmanship and motifs. Read more about beer steins at What is the Purpose of a German Beer Stein.

Smuttynose Brewing Company, Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Smuttynose Craft Brewery is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and it is the state's largest craft brewing company. The brewery was founded in 1994 and beer is distributed along the East Coast and as far as Wisconsin. Tours are free and it is recommended that go to their website to make a tour reservation. Smuttynose Tours.

Now let us get to the good stuff: their beer. Smuttynose produces year round favorites, seasonals like their pumpkin and their "Big Series" which is big beer in big bottles.
One of my favorite year round productions in their Old Brown Dog Ale.

Old Brown Dog ale is 1989 silver medal winner at the Great American Beer Festival. It is a true classic. It has a strong body and strongly hopped.

VITAL STATISTICS

OG: 1060, TG: 1016 

Grain Bill: Pale Brewers, Munich, Crystal 60°L, Chocolate

Hops: Cascade, Willamette

IBU's: 15

Color/Number: Deep brown-amber, 25 

ABV  6.5%