Is it really a winter brew?
Written: Dec 07 '00 (Updated Dec 07 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good flavor, nice head, creamy texture
Cons: Not as hearty as you'd expect, and no spice
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| andaryl's Full Review: Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome Ale 550ml |
I look at my thermometer today and see it’s currently 74F. What a contrast between Yorkshire and the Southern California Desert. I envy my friends, sat in a pub (yes it’s 9pm Friday in England right now), wearing sweaters and jackets, as close to the heater as possible, enjoying their cellar-temperature Trophy, Old Bailey or Guinness. Christmas is coming fast and you wouldn’t even know it here. How the hell is Santa’s sleigh supposed to make it through?
Well at least the Samuel Smith’s delivery guy made it through, bringing with him the latest installment of Winter Welcome. The sunshine may have ruined my childhood images of the Christmas chill, but I’m certainly not going to let it ruin the selection of winter ales currently on offer.
So, I made it to the local last night completely undecided, when a Sam’s Winter was promptly placed in front of me. It’s funny how some bartenders have a better idea of what you want than you yourself. To my disappointment the bottle was freezing cold. I decided not to say anything, but wrapped my hands tightly around the bottle any time nobody was looking. I had to explain my strange behavior to my wife, ideal serving temperatures etc.
The first initial thoughts
The bottle, an 18.7 oz “Victorian Pint”, is unmistakable as one of the Samuel Smith’s collectibles. The label is in the Victorian style, with miscellaneous scrollwork and a picture of a rabbit.
The pour is very impressive, foamy, giving way to a deep amber beer, with a creamy head. The head managed to stay right until the end of my drinking. Actually I like to pour a little at a time, but I’m sure the head would have been durable had I poured the whole thing.
The Taste & Aroma
The first few tastes were a little disappointing. Coldness does have a tendency to kill the flavors and make the beer a little lighter. It’s kind of hard to throw it around your mouth when it’s too cold too; my teeth are a little sensitive. So half way down my first bottle I asked for a second. Due to the 6% alcohol content, I think my head was getting this beer quicker than the taste buds.
As the beer got warmer, I did start to get some appreciation for the flavor. It’s extremely smooth on the palate. The aroma was floral at first, then I later noticed a maltiness as the beer warmed up.
The flavor was not at all what I expected. Any winter brews I have drunk in the past were sparingly, but I had been led by my readings to expect something hearty with a little spice. This was much lighter, with no evident spice. The beer itself did have a nice creamy texture with malt flavors.
With food?
I had mine with a basic fried chicken and fries, and it balanced well. While very versatile, this would most likely go with a hearty meat dish.
The brewery themselves mention roast goose, rack of lamb, candied yams, Smithfield hams, fresh pears and apples, Christmas cake, and a Partridge in a Pear tree (just getting into the Xmas spirit). Funny they didn’t mention turkey, poor marketing guys, whether suitable or not you have to mention turkey in December.
Final Words
I did enjoy this beer, so much so that I would have run my tab up to four had I been alone, and had that $500 table tipped 20% instead of 15% (I’m a waiter for those who don’t know). However I do feel that I’d much rather settle for my staple diet of Newcastle next time I’m in the local. And anyway there’s plenty more winter brews waiting to be supped. This one marks slightly above a 3, so being from Yorkshire I’ll give it 4. As Sam Smith’s go, however, this is not their best.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
andaryl
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Member: Andrew Smith
Location: California via Yorkshire
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