Samuel Smiths Winter Welcome Ale

Brewed by Samuel Smith
Style: English Strong Ale
Tadcaster, England

bottle to a pint glass: ive had this one every year since about 94. dont think they change the recipe but they do change the picture on the front, the best one was of shakepeare (99?) not what you typically think of when you think of a winter beer. pretty suttle not high in alcohol either. however, a nicely balanced beer. i prefer other sam smiths beer to this one, they are all excellent.

Clear amber, off white medium head that settles rather quickly. Light malty aroma with a hint of orange. Medium body, and light carbonation. Toffee flavor nicely balnced by some light peppery spice and citrus. Nothing overwhelms in this nicely balnced ale. Finishes with a pleasant tangy bitterness. I was unimpressed after my first few mouthfulls, but as it warmed and I began to really taste it, my impression improved considerably. A very understated, but expertly crafted ale.

Pours a clear, deep caramel-orange with a loose, frothy beige head that laces well. The nose toggles between pleasant and funky: sweet caramel and a blend of notes that make me think of nutmeg (and maybe some light cinnamon) sprinkled into sweaty tennis shoes. Light to medium-bodied with soft carbonation and a lightly spicy finish. The flavor is a definite improvement over the aroma: big, sweet, bready malt and light spices with a fairly clean finish. If you can manage to drink it before the head settles or without spending too much time with your nose in the glass, it’s not bad. But the aroma is a killer for me on this one. It was worth trying once, but the next time I want a Christmas brew, I’ll find something else.

Been judged by many, nice easy drinking Sammy.

A nice amber colour from the bottle with a small head,quite fruity and too sweet,an ok seasonal ale.

Looked good, tasted only ok, nothing really seemed to jump out at me. Some sweet malt flavor but not really spicy or that impressive at all. The bottle was better than the beer.

Bottle. Clear amber colour with large creamy white mostly lasting head. Malty aroma with notes of caramel. Sweet spicy flavor.

The aroma is a combination of spice and caramel malt. The color is golden with a large tan head. Head duration is considerable and there is lacing. Slighlty nutty flavor with a mild malt sweetness. Light finish on the palate.