Samuel Smith India Ale

Samuel Smith India Ale. 

5 % ABV, Samuel Smith's Old Brewery Tadcaster, Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom. 

Clear, copper colored, slim, off-white head. 

In the nose: Crisp, clean, mineral, herbal, maybe. Slight fruitiness, but not the ones you're looking for. More like apple, pear, melon. Definitely an English ale.

In the mouth: Fresh and fruity, lightly bitter, judiciously hopped. Clean and mellow. Slightly sweet malt flavor. Light bodied and crisp. What should English IPAs taste like? This. It's all about the water. 

I love the beers of Samuel Smith, but this one has never been my favorite. My favor for English IPAs/Ales fell off long ago when I went heads over hills for American IPAs. I still love traditional English porters and stouts, though.

I addressed this when I first took notes on this way back in March of 2003, and I gave a 4.3/5, a good 16% above the average. Here are those notes: Color is a gorgeous ruby red, head is fine, full, and off-white in color. Aroma is overflowing with fruit: peach is on top, but we can also detect apricot, grapefruit, orange, citrus. Very sweet and inviting. So drink it already!

Deliriously delicious! This is a terrifically well-rounded IPA: not too hoppy, with malt providing just enough support. Very little bitterness upon the palate, and surprising for an ale with an aroma so redolent with sweet,delightful fruitiness. On the tongue, more fruit flavors come through, too. I'm picking up cherries, and melons, and good gosh, it's gorgeous. Extreme drinkability. Some minimal bitterness comes through on the palate, but not to trouble the average beer drinker. An excellent introductory IPA. Me, I like mine much hoppier.

A terrifically well-rounded brew, and very drinkable. Finish is simple, sweet, and ever-lasting. Another excellent Smith offering.

Samuel Smith's Organic Pale Ale

Samuel Smith's Organic Pale Ale.

5 % ABV. 31 IBU. Samuel Smith's Old Brewery Tadcaster, Yorkshire, England. 

Over ten years into this blog thing and I'm still working on closing the gap on Samuel Smith's, one of my longtime favorite breweries. Let's drink a fairly fresh pale ale and look back at my long-ago notes later. 

Clear, coppery/bronze coloring, slim white head. 

In the nose: Soft and slightly sweet. A mite bit buttery, butterscotch, even, but not from any flaw. This is intentional for the style. Some fruitiness, touch of citrus.

In the mouth: Crisp and clean. Ever so slight hop bitterness, more malty. Malt and hops make for excellent balance and supreme drinkability. Medium bodied, very smooth and mellow. Perfect example of an English pub ale, pale ale par excellence. 

That's what I think now. But I had different thoughts in February of 2003, when I posted this to BeerAdvocate.com: Pours a huge, and well-retained creamy head, with a pale amber color. Aroma is soft, slightly floral, faint fruitiness, some citrus, but very mellow in the hop department. Overall, a sweetish palate, practically nil on the bitterness scale. 

Light texture, very easy mouthfeel, lacks some substance. Doesn't need any really, for the purposes of this style. It's a pub ale, with not so much flavor to take your attention from the football or the darts. Slightly coppery, tangy taste, a little buttery.

My least favorite Samuel Smith's beer, just too mild and pale for my taste, although perfect for what it tries to be. I compare all "pale ales", sometimes unfavorably, against hoppier American craftbrew versions.

Man, what a jerk I was! I gave it a 3.38/5, 13% below the average. Ignore what I said18 years ago. What a terminal snot. 

A delicately flavoured golden ale in which subtle fruity esters from the Samuel Smith yeast strain interact with a background of maltiness and fresh hops. Brewed with water, organic malted barley, organic hops and yeast; fermented in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’.

Samuel Smith's Old Brewery Tadcaster The Famous Taddy Porter

Samuel Smith's Old Brewery Tadcaster The Famous Taddy Porter.

5 % ABV, 32 IBU. Samuel Smith's Brewery, Yorkshire, England. 

There are those times when I page through this blog and consider a certain brewery and think about which beers are represented within it, and which are not. This is one of those instances, looking at Samuel Smith's, the traditional Yorkshire brewery, and the merely seven beers contained herein.  So many missing, and among them, this, a favorite of mine for so many years. 

I will do something that I've done before and will do again. Write new notes, then look at the old, for I know for a certainty that I'd written about this one many years ago. Let's crack this crown and get into it: 

Just about blackness, conplete opacity, short-lived brown head. 

In the nose: slightly sweet, treacle, molasses, brown sugar. Mostly malty. Whiffs of anise, raisins, rum. All this in a traditional English porter? 

In the mouth: Some sweetness again, with a modicum of bitter, to match the black, caramel-y malts. Dark fruits, once more, but altogether well-balanced, smooth and satisfying. Tastes of cola, coffee, cocoa, and some spice, too. Medium body, and easy drinkability. A fine beverage, sets the soul at rest. This is truly as traditional an English porter as you're going to find with any ease at all. (If you ever see Salopian Entire Butt, get some.)

As promised, here's what I offered up to BeerAdvocate back in January of 2003, eighteen years ago (!): 

Tan, creamy head. Pitch black. Intenslely aromatic: rich, roasted coffee, butterscotch, toffee. Great hop presence. but light on the palate. Smooth, well-rounded, a porter full of character, that will remain on the top of my list until the end of time. Absolutely perfect. Light enough in alcohol to stand in as a session beer (but too expensive to actually work that way), and with plenty of body and bite.

A very dark, full bodied ale with a rich, creamy head and an intense dry, tangy character. Brewed with well water (the original well sunk in 1758 is still in use), malted barley, roasted malt, yeast and hops. Fermented in stone Yorkshire squares. The type of beer first brewed in the early 18th century; gained its name from being drunk by porters in the fish, meat and other produce markets.

Samuel Smith's Organic Perry Cider

Samuel Smith's Organic Perry Sparkling Pear Cider.
5 % ABV. Samuel Smith's Brewery, Yorkshire, England.

Clear, light golden hue, no head.

In the nose: Popping with pear. Bright, sweet, delightful.

In the nose: Brisk, crisp, and pear-y-licious. Light-bodied, smooth, and delicious. Nice. Not really much else to say about it. (I freely admit that I am not at all a cider expert, and still lack technical expertise required.)
Highly likable, in every way.

Dry, sparkling pear cider with glowing pale straw colour,smooth body, crisp but rich flavor and the gentle aroma of a summer pear orchard. Serving suggestions: Blue cheese or gorgonzola; arugula or Waldorf salad; sweet potatoes; pancetta or prosciutto; pear tart. Very nice with dishes featuring ginger. Best served at about 44°F (7°C)

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.

Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome

I've got something to say that will not surprise you: This post is far too late. Right now, winter has worn out it's welcome. How about a Winter Goodbye?

Okay, on with the beer...


Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome. Here's a brew that once upon a time, way back when, I would look forward to every year, and anticipate the changing of the labels. I haven't touched a bottle in years. Why not revisit it? And will it be another case where my 11-year old notes are still satisfactory? I decided it was not.

So, I'm opening a recent bottle, and taking new notes…here we go…

the 2013/2014 edition once again, as always, features the quote from W. Shakespeare, "Blessing of your heart you brew good ale." New this year, a depiction of one the shire horses of Samuel Smith, being fed.

Clear, light amber/caramel-toned appearance, under a lush off-white head.

Aroma: Uniquely British. Fuggles? East Kent Goldings? wormwood? It's a malty nose, yeasty, caramel and toffee notes. Hops are low.  Nicely balanced.

Taste: Hop bitterness comes to the fore here in the taste, shines for a moment, then fades as malt takes over. From their, it's nothing but balance. Nothing dominates, nothing goes forward. Sweet malt and bitter hops keep things going on the tongue.

Now, the problem I'm having is that this is an utterly English ale, but it doesn't seem especially special, and hasn't any particular qualities that set it apart as a winter seasonal. I feel that it ought to be bigger in one way or another, maltier, hoppier, stronger in some way.

Let's pause and read the label: "This seasonal beer is a limited edition brewed for the short days and long nights of winter, the full body resulting from fermentation in stone Yorkshire squares, and the luxurious malt character, which will appeal to a broad range of drinkers, is balanced by against whole-dried Fuggle and Golding hops with nuances and complexities that should be contemplated before an open fire." 6.0% ALC./VOL.

Yeah, except it's not really all that. It's tasty, it's delicious, and satisfying, but nothing more. And I want it to be more. I also wonder what it was in the past. The last time I published notes on this beer was back in February of 2003. I didn't rely on those old notes to represent this bottle, because I can't find any resemblance. Here they are, for old times sake:

2001 bottle, reviewed in December '02. Now why is it I never saw the '02 anywhere? So, the question is :how does it hold up after a year?
Thin white head, dark reddish appearance. Vinous nose, raisin, reminds me of a barleywine, but just a smidge. Spicy, aromatic, with notes of vanilla, sweet and malty. Smooth, and quite downable, with just enough flavor.
This used to be a wintertime staple for me, but I've fallen for the darker, bolder type of winter ales.
Quite good after 12 months, nothing wrong with it at all, though it tastes maltier than bottles I had last winter.

Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout

As I continue to re-visit old favorite beers, and look back at old reviews, I keep finding that I said what needed to be said, in many cases. Here are notes from nearly11 years ago, March, 2003, for the Imperial Stout by Samuel Smith's Old Brewery Tadcaster.
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Color is black as black can be, and the head is proud, large and a creamy tan color.

Aroma is warm and wonderfully delicious, soft, creamy, notes of chocolate, slightly roasty, and edging into darker flavors, but not quite there.

Palate is deliriously sweet and inviting. Mouthfeel: sursprisingly smooth and untroubled, gentle, harmonious, thick with malt, mellow with hops.

Very smooth drinking for an Imperial. I haven't had one of these in a long time, and have spoiled myself with the bolder, brasher, and far more adventurously flavored (roasted, malted, hopped, everywhichway) American versions, the Old Rasputins, Stormkings, Expeditions, Rogues, and Stones...
But, I can't help liking it. Great stout, delicicious,delightful, but a bit weak, at a "mere" 7%, compared to similar brews from "the colonies". Quite tasty, but I'd love it if they'd ever stretch out some.
..............................
No, they never did, and why would they? Wouldn't be very traditional, would it?
Here's stuff from the label:

Brewed at Samuel Smith's small, traditional British brewery with well water (the original well wink in 1758 is still in use), best barley malt, roasted barley, yeast and hops to create a rich flavorful ale; deep chocolate in colour with a roasted barley nose and flavour that is a complexity of malt, hops and yeast. Fermented in stone Yorkshire squares, this distinctive type of ale was originally shipped to Imperial Russia; it was a favorite of Russian nobility.

Samuel Smith's Yorkshire Stingo

Now, here's a beer I really like. Don't care for the price-point, though, at $12 a bottle. For the flavor, it just might be worth it. I had my first one in November of 2010, just a week or so before I started posting reviews here. I had my second one a few days ago, and present those notes from '10 to you now:


Samuel Smith's Yorkshire Stingo, Ale aged in oak ale casks, matured for over a year.

Gimme some sting.

In a nice Imperial pint glass, ruddy brown appearance, crimson highlights...thick, rich, creamy beige head, lace leaving...ni-i-ice.

Aroma: nuts and caramel, big into the malt, deep and rich, dark fruit and leather, burnished wood, brandy...gets bigger and deeper the more we sniff in. This is a barleywine in wolf's clothing, as it takes time to emerge, and reveal it's full flowering.

Taste: all that and more, rich roasted malt, full fruity flavoring,raisins, dates ,fig, cherries, port wine, deep and dark, intense alcohol levels (9% is a bit high for the Samuel Smith's brand) Feels like an English barleywine in almost every way. Full-bodied, full-flavored, and incredibly rich, long lasting finish, unending taste.
Dangittigang, so rich, sweet, deep, and delicious. Too, too tasty.

Damn! I have been waiting for a Samuel Smith's beer like this for, since forever...just wish it weren't so terribly expensive.

But, still, it's ridiculously tasty. Way too much goodness. Mmmm, give me more, give me more, give me more.

Samuel Smith's Organic Chocolate Stout

Samuel Smith's Organic Chocolate Stout. Malt Beverage with natural flavors added. Samuel Smith's Brewery (Tadcaster), North Yorkshire, England. 550 ml. Product of England. 5% Alc. by Vol.

Samuel Smith's and I go way back. Before I was into American craft beer, before I knew there was such a thing, my first  beer love was English. It didn't take long for me to try their products once I knew of them, and they remain among my favorites, although I rarely drink them any more. Part of that is due to the obsession with trying everything under the sun I've never had before. Another reason is that they haven't released a new product in a while. Yorkshire Stingo was perhaps the last new one I tired, but it was before I started adding reviews to this blog. Note to self: look for Stingo. In fact, stock up on all the SS products, why don't I.

Aroma: I'm mentioning this first, but it fills the air, as soon as the bottle is opened and floods the sense. Full and beautiful. More of a baker's cocoa than anything else. Still haven't lifted the glass to the nose, so here it goes. Deep, rich, milky, creamy, semi-sweet, and not a little bit bitter. Everything you want from chocolate, here in this stout.

Appearance: solid black with ruby-brown highlights at foot and side. Creamy brown head on top.

Taste: Bam! Chocolate milk, sweet, rich, indulgent. Small bitterness, lush malt, cocoa flavor swims through the mouth, creamy and delightful. You can't help but throw it back and want some more. Medium mouthfeel, moderate bitterness, full flavor, incessant cocoa taste.

The organic label, this time, does not yield a disappointing product, as is so often sadly the case. This beer is 100% yum. Who cares how organic it is, it's nothing but delicious. Highly recommended.

Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout

It's time to interject among the Belgian brews some odd offerings from a semi-sweet sample pack from a distributor sales rep. Why semi? Because it's... not that rad. Or awesome. There was only one beer I'd never had, (although it's very unique.) However, she meant well, and she's pretty, so how can I pick on her? Can I get mad that the samples included two beers I already order from her company? Not really, since it's all free. She wrote me a note, "tell me what you think of these"...of Carlsberg, Grolsch, Beck's? Again, she meant well. (And a lot better than her predecessor, who sent me new beers whether I asked for them or not, and charged us for them. Not cool.) So, for the first one we turn to a beer she didn't know we carried. On being told this, her reply was, "well, good, you can drink it." or something like that. It's a beer that was one of the first in my initial "dream beer list" way back 10 or 11 years ago. And one that firmly belongs in the category of "gushers" when it comes to my early reviews. Had the bottle and home last night, and here I share with you the 5-star review I posted on BeerAdvocate back in January 2003. 

Samuel Smith's the Old Taddy Tadcaster Oatmeal Stout: "Big, booming tan head, and a color as black as the darkest night. 

Aroma is all things good: fresh, nutty, dry, coffee, espresso, the very essence of roastiness. 

Texture is smooth, with late bitterness coming through on the palate, very chewy and substantial.

 Comes on sweet, warm, and wonderful, a comforting stout. Honestly, how do they do it? There are many who attempt this style, but no one comes close to Samuel Smith's when it comes to flavor, to taste, to utter perfection. Nothing less than happiness can result from drinking this fine brew. Always to find a spot among my Top Five. Absolutely perfect!" 

------------ If I were to write this one anew, I'd temper the enthusiasm just a little bit. It was one of my early favorites, and I still find great joy in it's delights. I think I need to go pick up more Samuel Smith's beers, to revisit some old friends.