Samuel Smiths Old Brewery Bitter (Cask)

Very dull bitter. Perhaps doesn’t travel well due to traditional methods used, not sure. Has the kind of creamy head they like in the north of england but not much character. There are far better bitters out there. don’t bother.

not much aroma, but the flavor is very nice. Nice fruityness with bitterness in the finish. dark copper color, translucent. medium palate. Much better on cask.

Half on keg. Amber coloured with a small white head. Light malty aroma. Malt also dominates the taste with some sweetness of vanilla and caramel. Also some fruity notes in a rather anonymous (bitter) ale. (Served a bit too chilled at the great Princess Louise, Holborn 20.09.2006).

Handpump at the Princess Louise, High Holborn, London. Amber in colour, bit of fruit in the aroma, little bit malty and nutty in the taste but not great, in fact I think that this beer was a bit tired, although in saying that I’ve had this beer frequently before and also in this pub and can’t say I’ve ever been particularly impressed with it.

Tap. Dark amber with thick creamy white head. Weak aroma with a little caramel. Mouthfeel is full and creamy. Caramel and a slight touch of berries in the taste.

Cask (handpump) @ Chandos, London. Clear amber body with a creamy small off-white head that leaves nice lacing. Aroma is medium sweet, spiced apple, some herbal, light wood. Taste is medium sweet, earthy/herbal, apple, some caramel, with a bit of wood in the finish. Easy to drink.

Cask@Princess Louise, Holborn, London. Amber color, good creamy off-white head. Mild nutty nose - can’t get much out of it in the smokey pub. Fruity, mildly hoppy towards the end. Good session ale.

A Mes rate: Ahh yes, a Sam Smiths. Hmmm. I’ll try my best. Sweet malt nose. Straight forward in the looks department. Hint of vanilla in the flavour. Thats it. Well done Mr. Smith...