Samuel Smiths Winter Welcome Ale

The second Denver blizzard hit today, and will continue its barrage through the night, entombing Denver in a pure white prison, and insuring a fair bout of cabin fever and neighborly intimacy. Continuing in the line of ironically titled seasonal beers I popped open a bottle of the Sam Smith Winter Welcome, giving a great youkoso and bienvenue to a guest I thought we just kicked out the door. So much for etiquette; it really is true that nature does what it pleases. Forcible as she may be, she still hits like a bullet train, so why not make platonic friends rather than bitter (and uneven) enemies? So here’s to you and your…second blessing. Winter Welcome pours a floral color of red, pink and orange that reminds me of the transformative roses my mother keeps in her front garden. The head is a thick cedar color, supported by the beer’s many spiraling pillars of bubbles – an architectural masterpiece Brunelleschi himself could be proud of. The aroma contrasts markedly, effacing the proud display with a bland mix of hops and a cheap, pale lager-esque smell in a none too appetizing preview. Luckily the taste comes back with a mellow sweetness on a heavy palate that’s not too heavy for the sugar. The flavors are hard to describe, but it’s likely a mix of chestnut, yam, cinnamon, marshmallow, brown sugar, nutmeg, all spice and a bit of oak all watered down to keep the beer from becoming too intense with such a barrage of passionate flavors. I for one lament this decision, adventitious or not, because it really bars the beer from becoming something special. Let it be had, then, on this stormy eve to keep our hearts warm and our persistent guest at bay. Even with a limp and tepid flavor this Winter Welcome is enough to do both.

Color was amber with a small white head. Aroma was malt and toffee. Easy drinking, but not much flavor. Tasted of sweet malts and a light hop presence. Pretty good.

A very nice beer overall. A nice head with a great aroma of chocolate and toffee. More toffee in flavor than anything else, but just the right amount of bitterness. Incredibly smooth and begs you to have another.

This had a nice,biting aroma.decent head.color was a dark brown.It had a complex.pleasant taste.Kind of like Christmas flavors.Samuel Smith doesn’t have any dogs of beer that I have found,so buy with confidence.

While I don’t think it’s possible for Sam Smith to dissapoint, this one fails to truly excite. Amber with a thin head promising little at first glance, the flavor is largely a wheaty, mildly hoppped bit of fluff, with some floral notes coming through the hops to remind you that this is a real brewer. The best quality is a smoothness that belies the strong alcohol content. Not a bad winter beer...just not a great one.

Poured from bottle. 2006 version. Light copper, nice head, some lacing. Tasted sweet and hoppy. Very light hops though. Overall a decent beer I suppose.

Bottle. 2006.2007 version. Pours light copper with a foamy white head that left great lacing. Nose of a variety of spices,and floral hops. Mouthfeel brisk. Flavor is malty and hoppy with spice and something I can not identify Overall a bit sweet,. but very driinkable and a nice holiday beer.

2006/2007. Pours amber with off white head. Spicy ginger aroma. Taste of brown sugar with hoppy finish. A good winter warmer.