Samuel Smiths Winter Welcome Ale

ORIGINAL RATE (summer 2006 of the 2005-2006 version): 550ml clear bottle from Joka’s in Waterville. Another off-season winter ale.... Judging by the cool weather lately, it’s not that far off. golden amber, darker body with half inch light tan head. Smells kind of like tea, but weak. Floral with hints of burnt malt, similar to tea in some ways. Actually not a bad little beer. Well ballanced, not too overpowering or heavy. Good ale even if not drank in winter.

RE-RATE (Winter 07 of the 2006-2007 version): 550ml brown (!) bottle purchased at of all places Richmond variety. Copper-amber translucent body with about an inch of light tan head. Smells fruity, spicy, and biscuity. Tastes sweet, fruity and malty with a roasty caramel character that surfaces toward the finish. Complex and pleasing flavor whose only flaw is letting the alcohol show a bit much for a 6%ABV offering. That flaw fades after a few sips. Creamy full mouthfeel. As I have more, the rich caramel malt becomes more apparent. Very drinkable considerin how rich and full it is. Wow, this is a good beer. Definitely picking up a few more bottles before the winter’s out.

Bottle. Clear coppery color with a thin white head. Spicy and slightly bitter nose with floral hints, hops and sweet malts. Sweet and malty taste with a slightly spicy middle and a light, floral finish. Aftertaste is slightly bitter with a touch of malt.

Nice crystal clear light amber color with off white head. Very light aroma of sweet dark fruit much like a barleywine. Tastes just like a light weight barleywine. Well made too. A nice hope bitterness hits first then the sweet fruit comes next. After that I taste some lighter Vienna type grainy tasting malts. Excellent balance.

I agree with victory (since we split the bottle). Not hoppy enough to be an IPA, not spicy enough to be a tripel. If you want either, you’re better off going for the pure style. A decent beer, but forgettable.

Good but forgettable. Anything by sam smiths is worth a try. This particular one had a somewhat spicey flavor with dissipating hops towards the end. Basically it’s good but i’ve had stuff like it in the past and will again in the future.

Bottle from September 2005. Pours copper with a decent white head. Smells spicy with some citrus, yogurt. peppery, spice and alcohol. Tastes malty with some lemony elements. finishes light and peppery.

Rich amber brwon, very fruity nose, but hard to pin down specifically. Something woody/earthy too. Sweet caramel malt with the same intangible fruity character and a hop-driven bitter finish. Another great beer from Sam Smith’s.

Poor head, light amber coloured. Not enough carbonized, some fruity notes and malt but short in mouth. Disapointing