The Beverage of the Week
BOW for the Week of: January 9 to January 15, 2008   |  Last Week   |  The Archives
Samuel Smith Winter Welcome Ale, England

Samuel Smith's Old Brewery, in Tadcaster, Yorkshire, was established in 1758 and is one of the few remaining independent breweries in England. These fine ales were first sold in the US in 1978.

The tradition of Winter Ales is an old one. The style is based upon the thought that a stronger, richer, and more flavorful beer is desired in the cold winter months. The Samuel Smith Winter Welcome Ale is the benchmark of this style. Not only providing warmth in the winter evenings, it also pairs beautifully with many foods of the season.

This year's version of the Winter Welcome is the 18th edition of the popular seasonal ale. Pick up a bottle and enjoy the best of winter.

Tasting Note:
Deep amber color. The aroma is very complex offering scents of toasted grains, sweet caramel, dried fruits (like a great fruit cake), and a balancing earthy bitterness. The palate confirms the aromatic notes with a rich, lush texture ideally balancing power with delicacy. A versatile and food friendly beer that loves deep stews and long roasted vegetables. $4.49 per 18.7-ounce "Victorian Pint" bottle