Holiday-ish beers, round 19: Samuel Smith Winter Welcome Ale
By Noah Davis • Dec 19th, 2008 • Category: Tasting notes
A staple for beer enthusiasts, this winter English import is complex though, in many ways, understated. It’s an amber-hued brew with a tan head, but the beauty really arises on the first whiff: The aroma shows off a nutty sweetness that is lightly caramelized with only a touch of alcohol. Its flavors follow suit, beginning nutty and sweet before showing off some floral hops that have a nice bite, balancing the sweetness ever so carefully. As American beers drive toward bigger, bolder flavors, it’s good to be reminded of the subtle complexities found in a winter beer that weighs in at with a mere 6.0% ABV.
