Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale

We're going back in time again, re-visiting an old favorite, and, in this case, perusing 11 year old notes. From February of 2003, here are my notes on the Nut Brown Ale of Yorkshire, England' Samuel Smith Brewery, a 5% ABV English Brown Ale.

Dark brown color, with light getting through around the edges of the clear bottle, and a thick, sizzling tan head.

Aroma is nutty, herbal, with a notes of caramel, butterscotch, and almonds, and the lush feel of the deep woods.

On the palate: sweet and buttery, with a mellow and medium body. Small hop presence here, more a malt emphasis, and a great balance between. Sweet enough to please the folks, but with a solid enough body not to disappoint the serious ale lover.

Quite unlike the ever-present, flimsy and bland Newcastle.
Very pleasing, and rewarding.

As for now, I like it as much as ever, though I'm rarely in the mood for a brown ale. I'd ordinarily choose a porter or stout.