As a beer lover, I often find myself selecting out a brew to fit my mood. And as a movie lover, most of the time the two go hand in hand. So I decided to share some pairings of film and beer that I think go great together. Take a look at my pick of the month and hopefully you will enjoy it.


Beer Choice:
Smuttynose Robust Porters


Smuttynose Brewing Company is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Their brewery is named after Smuttynose Island. The island is part of the Shoal islands off the coast of New Hampshire, although they are technically part of Maine. Smuttynose has been brewing beer for 18 years and their Robust Porter is one of their best offerings. The beer has a complex roasted flavor and a very pleasant mouthfeel. There’s a noticeable malt presence that prevents the beer from ever tasting thin. If you are a fan of porters, this is a go-to example.


Movie Pairing:
Shutter Island


Shutter Island is a psychological thriller directed by Martin Scorsese and was released in 2010. “Shutter Island” refers to the location of a hospital for the criminally insane. The story follows Teddy Daniels, a U.S. Marshall played by Leonardo DiCaprio, as he tries to uncover information and locate a missing patient who was originally instituted in the hospital for drowning her three children. When an inmate suddenly vanishes it’s a big deal because the only thing on the island is the hospital, so there is no where for the inmate to physically go. As soon as he gets to the island, it seems that everyone he talks to is trying to keep the secrets of the island from being brought to the surface. Daniels resolves to get to the bottom of Shutter Island’s mysteries and this leads him down a twisted path.

Smuttynose and Shutter Island. While Smuttynose focuses more on the laid back attitude of island life, the darkness and complexity of their Robust Porter matches the tone and fell of Scorsese’s thriller. Both the film and the beer are great choices for fall weather and could be enjoyed quite properly in the upcoming months. As always, be sure to check the “Enjoy By” dates on the beer to prevent any unwanted flavors.