Nut Brown Ale
Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster)
Beer Geek Stats:
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- Style:
- English Brown Ale
Ranked #2 - ABV:
- 5%
- Score:
- 92
Ranked #3,006 - Avg:
- 4.11 | pDev: 11.92%
- Reviews:
- 1,523
- Ratings:
- From:
- Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster)
- England, United Kingdom
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 309
- Gots
- 780
SCORE
92
Outstanding
92
Outstanding
Notes:
Reviews: 1,523
| Ratings: 4,079
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4.5/5 rDev +9.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours a dark caramel-brown with excellent foamy carbonation and head that lingers well. Nice big bubbles linger in the lacing.
Very aromatic for the style and the ABV, with toasted malts forward. Brown bread and butterscotch. The promised nuttiness is definitely there along with hints of grassy and earthy hops. For such a simple delivery it smells awesome.
The flavor is simple, yet deserves more words than I'll write here. In one word--balanced. The toasted caramel/butterscotch malt sweetness certainly leads the show, but the brew also closes with solid yet restrained old-school earthy hops. In between these balanced bookends is a melange of nutty (almond and hazelnut mostly) and bready (dough, biscuit, and toast) flavors that round out the whole.
The brew is just-so medium on reflection, but excellent carbonation makes it seem lighter than that.
In a new brew world where it oftentimes seems like the only route to big aromas and flavors are ABV, malt, and hop bombs, this classic is simply outstanding. The brew looks pretty sitting in the glass, and smells spectacular. Then, every flavor is just so, but restrained and balanced at the same time. The earthy hops are pure old school Brit and outstanding.
1,237 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours a dark caramel-brown with excellent foamy carbonation and head that lingers well. Nice big bubbles linger in the lacing.
Very aromatic for the style and the ABV, with toasted malts forward. Brown bread and butterscotch. The promised nuttiness is definitely there along with hints of grassy and earthy hops. For such a simple delivery it smells awesome.
The flavor is simple, yet deserves more words than I'll write here. In one word--balanced. The toasted caramel/butterscotch malt sweetness certainly leads the show, but the brew also closes with solid yet restrained old-school earthy hops. In between these balanced bookends is a melange of nutty (almond and hazelnut mostly) and bready (dough, biscuit, and toast) flavors that round out the whole.
The brew is just-so medium on reflection, but excellent carbonation makes it seem lighter than that.
In a new brew world where it oftentimes seems like the only route to big aromas and flavors are ABV, malt, and hop bombs, this classic is simply outstanding. The brew looks pretty sitting in the glass, and smells spectacular. Then, every flavor is just so, but restrained and balanced at the same time. The earthy hops are pure old school Brit and outstanding.
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3.87/5 rDev -5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Bottled but sadly not bottle conditioned but in a nice dark brown glass
Pours a nut brown body with good tobacco stain coloured head
Aroma is roasted chestnut and dry roast
Flavour is dark sugars with a dry finish
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look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Bottled but sadly not bottle conditioned but in a nice dark brown glass
Pours a nut brown body with good tobacco stain coloured head
Aroma is roasted chestnut and dry roast
Flavour is dark sugars with a dry finish
215 characters
4.54/5 rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Reading some of these reviews are hilarious and off the charts.
Sorry, but there is no way someone can pick up 15+ different flavors from drinking one beer:
"Taste/Feel: I get walnuts, dates, figs, unfiltered macadamia nut blossom honey, dark fruits, maple, and a distinct burlap type flavor. Immaculate, pure earthy Noble hops balance things out. On the burp, the hops reveal the full depth of their flavor with an absolutely textbook presentation of Noble hop character. A smooth, buttery flavor of English toffee is also present on the long-lingering finish. It is quite buttery like a rich caramel with fresh walnuts and almonds. The body is full and silky smooth, carrying not only the weight of the rich flavors but also bearing the pride of England."
The aforementioned review is totally asinine.
Good, now I feel better getting that off my chest.
Cheers everyone!
877 characters
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Reading some of these reviews are hilarious and off the charts.
Sorry, but there is no way someone can pick up 15+ different flavors from drinking one beer:
"Taste/Feel: I get walnuts, dates, figs, unfiltered macadamia nut blossom honey, dark fruits, maple, and a distinct burlap type flavor. Immaculate, pure earthy Noble hops balance things out. On the burp, the hops reveal the full depth of their flavor with an absolutely textbook presentation of Noble hop character. A smooth, buttery flavor of English toffee is also present on the long-lingering finish. It is quite buttery like a rich caramel with fresh walnuts and almonds. The body is full and silky smooth, carrying not only the weight of the rich flavors but also bearing the pride of England."
The aforementioned review is totally asinine.
Good, now I feel better getting that off my chest.
Cheers everyone!
877 characters
3.64/5 rDev -11.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
355 ml bottle, unable to guess at age.
Very clear light maroon. Light beige head with staying power, leaving tight lace.
Nose is figs or dates mixed with inverse sugar metallic toffee.
Taste is more candied dark fruit with a hint of hop flavour, but just a hint. Thin body, a bit of coffee and hop bitterness at the back. A bit of tangy edge, subdued carbonation.
This is of course classic, but at least this bottle was not as good as I remembered this over the years. Good but a bit timid and lacking complexity. Cannot really understand how some people wax poetic about this. I doubt they would do that in blind tasting.
628 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
355 ml bottle, unable to guess at age.
Very clear light maroon. Light beige head with staying power, leaving tight lace.
Nose is figs or dates mixed with inverse sugar metallic toffee.
Taste is more candied dark fruit with a hint of hop flavour, but just a hint. Thin body, a bit of coffee and hop bitterness at the back. A bit of tangy edge, subdued carbonation.
This is of course classic, but at least this bottle was not as good as I remembered this over the years. Good but a bit timid and lacking complexity. Cannot really understand how some people wax poetic about this. I doubt they would do that in blind tasting.
628 characters
4.92/5 rDev +19.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
I got this at Trader Joes in their larger bottle size in a gift pack that contained one of these, an Oatmeal Stout, and a Taddy Porter along with a Samuel Smiths glass. It is an awesome pub glass with their logo laser-etched at the bottom for nucleation sites so the carbonation will evenly feed the head. All this for only $9.99!
Look: Stunningly beautiful mahogany body with reddish copper hues in the light. Perfectly amazingly clear body topped with a gloriously fluffy, choppy, rich, and thick khaki head of slightly tan foam. The head lingers throughout and drags hearty lacing down the glass.
Smell: I can smell it from an arm's length away. The enticing aroma leaps from the glass. Gorgeous fig, honey, burlap, and floral hues on the nose. Hints of caramel underline complex earthy notes. Candied dates and walnuts outline toasty and buttery nuances.
Taste/Feel: I get walnuts, dates, figs, unfiltered macadamia nut blossom honey, dark fruits, maple, and a distinct burlap type flavor. Immaculate, pure earthy Noble hops balance things out. On the burp, the hops reveal the full depth of their flavor with an absolutely textbook presentation of Noble hop character. A smooth, buttery flavor of English toffee is also present on the long-lingering finish. It is quite buttery like a rich caramel with fresh walnuts and almonds. The body is full and silky smooth, carrying not only the weight of the rich flavors but also bearing the pride of England.
Overall: Oh my God this is world-class and genius beer. Each silky smooth gulp yields waves of deliciousness with a litany of the most amazing flavors one can possibly imagine. This is an impressive beer. It is absolutely delicious and incredible in every way.
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look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
I got this at Trader Joes in their larger bottle size in a gift pack that contained one of these, an Oatmeal Stout, and a Taddy Porter along with a Samuel Smiths glass. It is an awesome pub glass with their logo laser-etched at the bottom for nucleation sites so the carbonation will evenly feed the head. All this for only $9.99!
Look: Stunningly beautiful mahogany body with reddish copper hues in the light. Perfectly amazingly clear body topped with a gloriously fluffy, choppy, rich, and thick khaki head of slightly tan foam. The head lingers throughout and drags hearty lacing down the glass.
Smell: I can smell it from an arm's length away. The enticing aroma leaps from the glass. Gorgeous fig, honey, burlap, and floral hues on the nose. Hints of caramel underline complex earthy notes. Candied dates and walnuts outline toasty and buttery nuances.
Taste/Feel: I get walnuts, dates, figs, unfiltered macadamia nut blossom honey, dark fruits, maple, and a distinct burlap type flavor. Immaculate, pure earthy Noble hops balance things out. On the burp, the hops reveal the full depth of their flavor with an absolutely textbook presentation of Noble hop character. A smooth, buttery flavor of English toffee is also present on the long-lingering finish. It is quite buttery like a rich caramel with fresh walnuts and almonds. The body is full and silky smooth, carrying not only the weight of the rich flavors but also bearing the pride of England.
Overall: Oh my God this is world-class and genius beer. Each silky smooth gulp yields waves of deliciousness with a litany of the most amazing flavors one can possibly imagine. This is an impressive beer. It is absolutely delicious and incredible in every way.
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2.2/5 rDev -46.5%
look: 3 | smell: 2.25 | taste: 2 | feel: 1.25 | overall: 2.75
Being ranked #2 for the style of English Brown Ale, I found this beer quite disappointing.
Lightly roasted nut, and... fermenting plums?
Mild to low-medium flavor, zero bitterness.
Meh. Unimpressive.
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look: 3 | smell: 2.25 | taste: 2 | feel: 1.25 | overall: 2.75
Being ranked #2 for the style of English Brown Ale, I found this beer quite disappointing.
Lightly roasted nut, and... fermenting plums?
Mild to low-medium flavor, zero bitterness.
Meh. Unimpressive.
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2.52/5 rDev -38.7%
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 2.5
550ml bottle into a tulip.
L: Pours a surprisingly muddy reddish-brown body - lots of haze along with some larger particulate chunks - under a lovely dense tan head. Tremendous retention and lacing, but the lack of clarity and presence of chunks is troubling.
S: Fairly sweet, overripe fruit is the dominant characteristic. Some nuttiness and biscuity malt as well. Prune is the biggest single note. Disappointing.
T: Follows the nose, but worse. Slightly rotten fruit is the main flavor, with the maltiness only briefly appearing before a muddled bitterness closes things out. Really unpleasant, sadly.
F: Fine. Fairly light-bodied with soft carbonation.
O: Huge disappointment. I remember really liking this one, but it's been over a decade since I had it so maybe my tastes have changed. A more likely explanation is that this is a woefully out-of-date bottle, but as it lacks a readily decipherable date code I can't be sure. In any case, I'll likely hold off on revisiting this unless I'm sure I'm getting it fresh and in good condition, since I'd bet it can be better.
Beers of Fame tick 185/250. Cheers!
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look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 2.5
550ml bottle into a tulip.
L: Pours a surprisingly muddy reddish-brown body - lots of haze along with some larger particulate chunks - under a lovely dense tan head. Tremendous retention and lacing, but the lack of clarity and presence of chunks is troubling.
S: Fairly sweet, overripe fruit is the dominant characteristic. Some nuttiness and biscuity malt as well. Prune is the biggest single note. Disappointing.
T: Follows the nose, but worse. Slightly rotten fruit is the main flavor, with the maltiness only briefly appearing before a muddled bitterness closes things out. Really unpleasant, sadly.
F: Fine. Fairly light-bodied with soft carbonation.
O: Huge disappointment. I remember really liking this one, but it's been over a decade since I had it so maybe my tastes have changed. A more likely explanation is that this is a woefully out-of-date bottle, but as it lacks a readily decipherable date code I can't be sure. In any case, I'll likely hold off on revisiting this unless I'm sure I'm getting it fresh and in good condition, since I'd bet it can be better.
Beers of Fame tick 185/250. Cheers!
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4.05/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
one of those beers i have no real excuse for not already enjoying other than i never bothered to buy one. poured into the pint glass a clear cherry wood/milk chocolate brown, with a frothy head thats left a big ol sheet behind. nose is sweet malts and toffee with hints of nuttiness and some dark fruits and overall just very inviting. flavor profile stars with a big slap of bread/malts that's matched with a decent amount of sweetness but quickly falls into roasty toasty nuts, bitter hops and candied fruits. nothing really overpowers the other but that bitterness tries it's best to lead the pack. drinks very smooth and light, would probably go well with some grub. makes me want to get my hands on more brown ales. long live the brown.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
one of those beers i have no real excuse for not already enjoying other than i never bothered to buy one. poured into the pint glass a clear cherry wood/milk chocolate brown, with a frothy head thats left a big ol sheet behind. nose is sweet malts and toffee with hints of nuttiness and some dark fruits and overall just very inviting. flavor profile stars with a big slap of bread/malts that's matched with a decent amount of sweetness but quickly falls into roasty toasty nuts, bitter hops and candied fruits. nothing really overpowers the other but that bitterness tries it's best to lead the pack. drinks very smooth and light, would probably go well with some grub. makes me want to get my hands on more brown ales. long live the brown.
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4.37/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
The 550 mL bottle poured a clear medium brown and got a nice full 2 finger light tan head that fades into a fine thin layer.
The aromas are beautiful! Full of complexity and depth, there are rich Carmel, apple, barley, almond cookie, plum and airy floral notes. WOW
Taste follows nose with the barley flavors, light apple note, and a perfect light feel and clean finish. Superb balance also.
Overall, a classy, delicate, wonderful traditional brown ale that defines the style. Love it!
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
The 550 mL bottle poured a clear medium brown and got a nice full 2 finger light tan head that fades into a fine thin layer.
The aromas are beautiful! Full of complexity and depth, there are rich Carmel, apple, barley, almond cookie, plum and airy floral notes. WOW
Taste follows nose with the barley flavors, light apple note, and a perfect light feel and clean finish. Superb balance also.
Overall, a classy, delicate, wonderful traditional brown ale that defines the style. Love it!
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3.19/5 rDev -22.4%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
A world classic I suppose, but spoiled on the many good america craft version of browns (Brooklyn, Cigar City, etc.), good, just not great for me. I prefer Sam Smiths Taddy Porter, a solid choice.
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look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
A world classic I suppose, but spoiled on the many good america craft version of browns (Brooklyn, Cigar City, etc.), good, just not great for me. I prefer Sam Smiths Taddy Porter, a solid choice.
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4.02/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours out light translucent honey brown. Good two fingers of head.
Smell is honey, mild tart fruit, savory nuttiness, toffee. Very pleasant.
Taste is mildly tangy up front. Fruit and honey that tapers off and makes way for salty, savory nut flavor. Some bitterness at the end.
Very fine carbonation and definitely on the thin side.
There's a nice complexity coming from this beer. Didn't expect this much to be going on. Definitely surprised me.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours out light translucent honey brown. Good two fingers of head.
Smell is honey, mild tart fruit, savory nuttiness, toffee. Very pleasant.
Taste is mildly tangy up front. Fruit and honey that tapers off and makes way for salty, savory nut flavor. Some bitterness at the end.
Very fine carbonation and definitely on the thin side.
There's a nice complexity coming from this beer. Didn't expect this much to be going on. Definitely surprised me.
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4.33/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
A classic! From the can into the glass, it pours a clear, clean reddish-brown, almost cherry wood color. A thick tan head that falls to a thin cap with some very nice lacing as you sip. Smell is malty, a bit of grain, some candied fruit too; the smell is very enticing. Taste is something special! Sweet malt and bread up front, then you get some of the nice fruity esters, and the finish provides some bitterness from the hops which keep the sweet malts in check. This is a really balanced brown ale: not too sweet, not to "nutty", not too bitter or hoppy like some American browns. The feel is medium bodied and rich without being heavy. Carbonation is there, but not in your face. It cleans everything up without dominating the feel. Overall, I like this beer. A lot! I'd love to try this beer from a hand pulled cask somewhere close to the source. But for now, I'll stick to the four pack cans from down the street!
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
A classic! From the can into the glass, it pours a clear, clean reddish-brown, almost cherry wood color. A thick tan head that falls to a thin cap with some very nice lacing as you sip. Smell is malty, a bit of grain, some candied fruit too; the smell is very enticing. Taste is something special! Sweet malt and bread up front, then you get some of the nice fruity esters, and the finish provides some bitterness from the hops which keep the sweet malts in check. This is a really balanced brown ale: not too sweet, not to "nutty", not too bitter or hoppy like some American browns. The feel is medium bodied and rich without being heavy. Carbonation is there, but not in your face. It cleans everything up without dominating the feel. Overall, I like this beer. A lot! I'd love to try this beer from a hand pulled cask somewhere close to the source. But for now, I'll stick to the four pack cans from down the street!
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3.99/5 rDev -2.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Four pack of 15oz cans purchased at Total Wine in Lynnwood, Washington. Served in a pint glass.
Look- Slightly hazy, cola colored with a nice light khaki colored head that dissipates very slowly.
Good carbonation stream in the glass and lacing that clings for days.
Smell- Sweet malt, caramel and light brown sugar with a nutty/fruity twang to it.
Taste- Malty nutty goodness, the brown sugar taste is there too, but is in the background with a bit of bitterness.
Feel- Incredibly smooth. A little watered down and thin, but still very serviceable.
O- One of the better brown ales on the market for certain.
Probably won't go out of my way to get it again, wouldn't ever turn one down though.
I'm beginning to wonder if Samuel Smith makes a B grade product in there lineup.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Four pack of 15oz cans purchased at Total Wine in Lynnwood, Washington. Served in a pint glass.
Look- Slightly hazy, cola colored with a nice light khaki colored head that dissipates very slowly.
Good carbonation stream in the glass and lacing that clings for days.
Smell- Sweet malt, caramel and light brown sugar with a nutty/fruity twang to it.
Taste- Malty nutty goodness, the brown sugar taste is there too, but is in the background with a bit of bitterness.
Feel- Incredibly smooth. A little watered down and thin, but still very serviceable.
O- One of the better brown ales on the market for certain.
Probably won't go out of my way to get it again, wouldn't ever turn one down though.
I'm beginning to wonder if Samuel Smith makes a B grade product in there lineup.
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4.51/5 rDev +9.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
This bottle, 18.7 oz. poured a perfect looking reddish brown with a beautiful 3 finger tan frothy head. After several minutes it settled to a quarter inch head with no lacing. This beer is not really clear, just a little hazy with light carbonation. Picture perfect!
The smell is very sweet malts, chocolaty. Smells like a dessert.
The taste is sweet up front, cocoa nibs, nuts of coarse, with a slightly dry and a touch bitter finish. Very nice!
The feel is creamy and smooth.
This one is a favorite of mine, all other nut brown ales are compared to this one. Samuel Smith has not let me down with any of there offerings yet.
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look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
This bottle, 18.7 oz. poured a perfect looking reddish brown with a beautiful 3 finger tan frothy head. After several minutes it settled to a quarter inch head with no lacing. This beer is not really clear, just a little hazy with light carbonation. Picture perfect!
The smell is very sweet malts, chocolaty. Smells like a dessert.
The taste is sweet up front, cocoa nibs, nuts of coarse, with a slightly dry and a touch bitter finish. Very nice!
The feel is creamy and smooth.
This one is a favorite of mine, all other nut brown ales are compared to this one. Samuel Smith has not let me down with any of there offerings yet.
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4/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
From old, undated notes. Poured from the bottle.
Clear reddish-brown ale.
Tan head; spotty lace.
Nuts, oats & cream nose.
Medium thin mouthfeel.
Taste follows nose; smooth & tasty.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
From old, undated notes. Poured from the bottle.
Clear reddish-brown ale.
Tan head; spotty lace.
Nuts, oats & cream nose.
Medium thin mouthfeel.
Taste follows nose; smooth & tasty.
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4.1/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I have tried several of the Samuel Smith brews all are well done. Aloud to warm to about 55 degrees. Very good flavors and just the right carbonation. The light tan head dissipates fairly quick. Just a bit of "back of the throat" bitterness on the finish. Very drinkable.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I have tried several of the Samuel Smith brews all are well done. Aloud to warm to about 55 degrees. Very good flavors and just the right carbonation. The light tan head dissipates fairly quick. Just a bit of "back of the throat" bitterness on the finish. Very drinkable.
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5/5 rDev +21.7%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
The standard, IMO. Yes, browns are superfluous and generally not the most exciting style, but this beer is note-perfect on the balance & harmony of the flavors. Warm, toasted nut, rich brown malt imparting that fuzzy baked bread flavor, subtle coffee bean & oat. Body with enough weight to let you know it is there but still smooth & silky. It isn’t some super-rare trendy beer, just a classic that hits every note you want from the style.
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look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
The standard, IMO. Yes, browns are superfluous and generally not the most exciting style, but this beer is note-perfect on the balance & harmony of the flavors. Warm, toasted nut, rich brown malt imparting that fuzzy baked bread flavor, subtle coffee bean & oat. Body with enough weight to let you know it is there but still smooth & silky. It isn’t some super-rare trendy beer, just a classic that hits every note you want from the style.
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3.95/5 rDev -3.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
i like a brew with substantial carbonation...this isn't it, almost no head. that said, aromas are great...very nutty, sweet and malty on the open, pour and sip. a lot of flavor. only negative is a slightly sharp after taste. overall nice evening beer [good with food, etc. not too filling @ 180 cal and 5.0 abv.].
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look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
i like a brew with substantial carbonation...this isn't it, almost no head. that said, aromas are great...very nutty, sweet and malty on the open, pour and sip. a lot of flavor. only negative is a slightly sharp after taste. overall nice evening beer [good with food, etc. not too filling @ 180 cal and 5.0 abv.].
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3.97/5 rDev -3.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Reviewed as part of my BJCP training. 13B. British Brown
Pours a large creamy foamy 1 finger tan head that retains well, decent lacing, clear but deep mahogany reddish-brown color
Nose fair malt aroma, toffee, nutty, biscuity, smooth mild sweet but rich moderate caramel, then chocolate notes as it warms, hops bring some aromas with herbal earthy, very English ingredients
Taste brings more malts out front, fair sweetness with lots of caramel, smooth rich caramel, a bit nutty, biscuity, some toffee, a touch of chocolate, hops kick in with fair medium bitterness, a bit earthy with flavor but not much, fair balance but mostly leans to malt, drier finish getting a little spicy-earthy hop bitterness, but smooth
Mouth is medium to a bit lighter bodied, medium carbonation
Overall not bad, holds fairly well to style, I'm not a huge fan of the hop character and I feel it get a little too aggressive compare to the malts, but enjoyable and fits the style nicely
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Reviewed as part of my BJCP training. 13B. British Brown
Pours a large creamy foamy 1 finger tan head that retains well, decent lacing, clear but deep mahogany reddish-brown color
Nose fair malt aroma, toffee, nutty, biscuity, smooth mild sweet but rich moderate caramel, then chocolate notes as it warms, hops bring some aromas with herbal earthy, very English ingredients
Taste brings more malts out front, fair sweetness with lots of caramel, smooth rich caramel, a bit nutty, biscuity, some toffee, a touch of chocolate, hops kick in with fair medium bitterness, a bit earthy with flavor but not much, fair balance but mostly leans to malt, drier finish getting a little spicy-earthy hop bitterness, but smooth
Mouth is medium to a bit lighter bodied, medium carbonation
Overall not bad, holds fairly well to style, I'm not a huge fan of the hop character and I feel it get a little too aggressive compare to the malts, but enjoyable and fits the style nicely
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2.7/5 rDev -34.3%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
550 ml bottle into an English pint glass. Light tan head. Decent lacing. Faint whiff of grains maybe pine needles. Taste was malty and mild chocolate. Slight cola like aftertaste. A very good beer that goes well with meat pies.
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look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
550 ml bottle into an English pint glass. Light tan head. Decent lacing. Faint whiff of grains maybe pine needles. Taste was malty and mild chocolate. Slight cola like aftertaste. A very good beer that goes well with meat pies.
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4.09/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
From notes 5/25/12: Pours a clear dark bronze with thin ruby hints, a single finger of fluffy, soap bubble, beige/light tan, somewhat lasting head that leaves thin, wispy lacing. Aroma is roasted malt, syrupy sweet toffee and a hint of cocoa.Taste is rich roast, toast, dark bread malty, sweet caramel, toffee and roasted nuts finishing with a pleasant bitterness that builds and lingers well into the aftertaste. Except for the bitterness the finish and aftertaste are somewhat cola like.
489 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
From notes 5/25/12: Pours a clear dark bronze with thin ruby hints, a single finger of fluffy, soap bubble, beige/light tan, somewhat lasting head that leaves thin, wispy lacing. Aroma is roasted malt, syrupy sweet toffee and a hint of cocoa.Taste is rich roast, toast, dark bread malty, sweet caramel, toffee and roasted nuts finishing with a pleasant bitterness that builds and lingers well into the aftertaste. Except for the bitterness the finish and aftertaste are somewhat cola like.
489 characters
3.91/5 rDev -4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
I really like the smell of this for some reason. Very simple and grainy. The taste is just OK. A bit too malty for me. The feel is OUTSTANDING. That's my favorite part, for sure. It just feels nice and thick, but not too viscous. Overall, a solid 4. I won't buy it again for $5, though.
294 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
I really like the smell of this for some reason. Very simple and grainy. The taste is just OK. A bit too malty for me. The feel is OUTSTANDING. That's my favorite part, for sure. It just feels nice and thick, but not too viscous. Overall, a solid 4. I won't buy it again for $5, though.
294 characters
3.98/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Look: a rich reddish brown with a beige head of roughly 2 fingers.
Smell: toasted malts, roasted nuts and brown sugar dominate with notes of vanilla. A little bit overly sweet for my taste.
Taste: toasted malts and brown sugar dominate. Not nearly as sweet as it smells.
Feel: medium to full in body with an exceptional mouth feel.
Overall: my go to brown ale. This beer alone reflects the lofty reputation of this brewery!
427 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Look: a rich reddish brown with a beige head of roughly 2 fingers.
Smell: toasted malts, roasted nuts and brown sugar dominate with notes of vanilla. A little bit overly sweet for my taste.
Taste: toasted malts and brown sugar dominate. Not nearly as sweet as it smells.
Feel: medium to full in body with an exceptional mouth feel.
Overall: my go to brown ale. This beer alone reflects the lofty reputation of this brewery!
427 characters
4.12/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12-oz. bottle needed a medium/light pour for a big finger of beige froth, average retention with lines of soapy lacing.
Clear dark copper (old penny) brown color, amber in front of light.
Toasted malt with some roasted malt on the nose with roasted mixed nuts in the back ground.
Roasted malt is more up front at the start of the lightly bitter taste as semi-sweet malt, tangy apple cider and not-so-sweet apple juice are moved along by the abundant carbonation. The finish is quick, semi-sweet and lightly bitter. Light bitter hops linger.
Above medium bodied, rich, even and smooth.
A happy revisit, a little on the sweet side yet straight forward and true to style.
670 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12-oz. bottle needed a medium/light pour for a big finger of beige froth, average retention with lines of soapy lacing.
Clear dark copper (old penny) brown color, amber in front of light.
Toasted malt with some roasted malt on the nose with roasted mixed nuts in the back ground.
Roasted malt is more up front at the start of the lightly bitter taste as semi-sweet malt, tangy apple cider and not-so-sweet apple juice are moved along by the abundant carbonation. The finish is quick, semi-sweet and lightly bitter. Light bitter hops linger.
Above medium bodied, rich, even and smooth.
A happy revisit, a little on the sweet side yet straight forward and true to style.
670 characters
4.05/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
This brewery continues to amaze me - it always lives up to its very lofty reputation. This was a nice smooth beer, very enjoyable and sessionable. Nice amber-copper color with some fluffy head and very spotty lingering lacing. Smells faintly of grain, malt and nutty goodness. Tastes similarly, but man that roasted nuttiness is just delicious. Smooth vanilla, caramel and biscuit notes. Nice mild smooth mouthfeel, slightly creamy. Good carbonation. Very enjoyable and makes me want to keep sampling this brewery’s beers.
524 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
This brewery continues to amaze me - it always lives up to its very lofty reputation. This was a nice smooth beer, very enjoyable and sessionable. Nice amber-copper color with some fluffy head and very spotty lingering lacing. Smells faintly of grain, malt and nutty goodness. Tastes similarly, but man that roasted nuttiness is just delicious. Smooth vanilla, caramel and biscuit notes. Nice mild smooth mouthfeel, slightly creamy. Good carbonation. Very enjoyable and makes me want to keep sampling this brewery’s beers.
524 characters
Nut Brown Ale from Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster)
Beer rating:
92 out of
100 with
4079 ratings
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