West Sixth Brewing - Smithtown Brown Ale

This brown ale is named after the neighborhood in which West Sixth’s first brewery was founded, and it’s the very first West Sixth beer that was ever brewed. It’s typically a limited production taproom exclusive, so we’re excited to be able to bring this classic to our members this month. On the pour we get a medium to dark brown color with good clarity and a robust head of khaki foam. We were drawn in by the aroma, which is nicely bright with touches of citric-fruity, floral, and earthy hops overlaying richly caramelized and mildly toasty malts. Look for this impressive balance between malts and hops to continue on the palate. We get plenty of caramelization, toasted wheat, chocolate malt tones, and light touches of roasted nuts that are all countered really well by that bright traditional American hop character. Moderate hop bitterness easily dries out the residual malt sweetness to keep this brown ale spry, super drinkable, and never heavy. For pairing options, we’ve got lots to choose from. We’d lean towards grilled meats and veggies of all kinds, especially smoked sausages and burgers, as well as barbecued brisket with mac & cheese. Cheers!

West Sixth Brewing hit our radar pretty early on after they were founded in 2012, and this sustainability-minded brewery in Kentucky has been making some exceptional beers that see very modest distribution. From their core year-round IPA (packed with Cascade, Centennial, Citra, and CTZ hops) to more occasional offerings like their exceptional Christmas Ale and imperial stout releases, West Sixth has been continually knocking it out of the park. The brewery distributes mostly in its home state of Kentucky and nearby areas, but the local emphasis has also helped them grow in leaps and bounds over the past few years.

West Sixth currently operates a taproom at their brewery in downtown Lexington in the historic Bread Box building, along with a brewery and taproom in Louisville’s trendy NuLu neighborhood, and a taproom on West Sixth Street in Covington. There’s also the brewery’s West Sixth Farm, a 120-acre property in Franklin on which West Sixth grows all kinds of different regional ingredients for their beers: hops, blackberries, raspberries, cider apples, and more.

In addition to world-class beers, we appreciate the mindfulness West Sixth shows toward the surrounding communities, as well as their efforts toward environmental sustainability. Along with supporting nonprofits through campaigns like Sixth for a Cause, Wooden Nickel, Pay It Forward Cocoa Porter, and Pedaling for a Purpose, the brewery also releases a sustainability report each year—highlighting efforts in areas like farming and land management practices, resource utilization & recycling, charitable giving, and community involvement. For more info, visit their website at www.westsixth.com.