Scuttlebutt is the naval jargon for a rumour, but there’s nothing about this brewing company or its beer that feels like hearsay. Rocking two locations in the Washington area, Scuttlebutt puts high class beer and food out in their family pub along the waterfront of Possession Sound, and sports a tap room at their brewing location on the other side of Everett. Putting out seven regular beers and a handful of seasonals, Scuttlebutt knocks out over 8,000 barrels these days. Once the well-known brewers of the Washington area, their beers are now heading across North America and the world.
The Night Circus is their take on the American Brown ale, sporting similar character to a coffee porter but with a laid back flavour and alcohol content. This circus is smooth and sweet, with a mix of spicy kick and velvet body. Serves well at 8°C and can stand up to a year in the basement.
Pours like a beautiful sky in a diamond mine - black as pitch with a pencil thin brown-tint foamy head and high carbonation.
Strong scent containing roasted barley, hints of anise, velvety coconut and nutty coffee fresh brewed. A subtle hint of dry baker’s chocolate rides the edges along with a touch of black spices.
The leading taste is a spicy zap that quickly fades off, letting the coconut take over the job. The coconut is quite sweet, mostly flesh and little of the outer body’s musty, earthy tone shows up. The coffee flavour is on the ground floor, always present but not vying for attention. The whole taste process is incredibly curt - showing up on your palate and then vanishing fast with only a slight hint of coconut left on the trail.
Go with the classic pub choice - The burger. But don’t just get the plain ol’ thing, get fried onions, strong cheddar and spicy mustard to complement this brew.