Organic Apricot Ale
Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster)
Beer Geek Stats:
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- Style:
- Fruit and Field Beer
Ranked #23 - ABV:
- 5.1%
- Score:
- 88
Ranked #11,450 - Avg:
- 3.93 | pDev: 13.74%
- Reviews:
- 119
- Ratings:
- From:
- Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster)
- England, United Kingdom
- Avail:
- Rotating
- Wants
- 35
- Gots
- 93
SCORE
88
Very Good
88
Very Good
Notes:
Handcrafted in Melbourne Bros' tiny brewery set in a time warp in Stamford using the old manually operated brewing equipment. Finest organically grown barley and wheat are used to create a complex ale which, having undergone primary and secondary fermentation with different yeasts and extended maturation, is taken to Samuel Smith's small, independent British brewery at Tadcaster. There it is blended with pure organic apricot fruit juice and a previously cellared organic brew -- creating an unparalleled fruit ale. The smooth distinctive character of the matured ale serves as the perfect counterpoint to the pure organic fruit juice.
Reviews: 119
| Ratings: 431
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NeroFiddled from Pennsylvania
4.16/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Samuel Smith's Brewery "Samuel Smith's Organic Apricot"
550 ml brown glass bottle, coded "SG05R1"
$5.99 @ Total Wine & More, Cherry Hill, NJ
Look: Somewhat hazy golden orange body beneath a finger-thick head of foamy white. Average head retention and lacing.
Smell: Somewhat funky and tarnish with a distinct semi-sweet not of apricot over a mildly grainy malt base (think wet white bread).
Taste: As the aroma suggests with a thin edge of acidity, no real funk, and sweetness backed by very little bitterness. Definitely a fruit beer, and very much a dessert beer although you could drink it as-is. The apricot is quite clear, and yet it is an artificial flavor even if the label reads "natural flavor". The tart/sweet is similar to an apricot though.
Feel: Medium in body and a little bit dextrinous with a moderate to median carbonation that leaves it delicately bristling at first and then almost creamy and smooth.
Overall: A decent, sweetish fruit beer with a light touch of tartness that would work well as a dessert beer or aperitif.
Review # 6,994
Apr 09, 2020
4.16/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Samuel Smith's Brewery "Samuel Smith's Organic Apricot"
550 ml brown glass bottle, coded "SG05R1"
$5.99 @ Total Wine & More, Cherry Hill, NJ
Look: Somewhat hazy golden orange body beneath a finger-thick head of foamy white. Average head retention and lacing.
Smell: Somewhat funky and tarnish with a distinct semi-sweet not of apricot over a mildly grainy malt base (think wet white bread).
Taste: As the aroma suggests with a thin edge of acidity, no real funk, and sweetness backed by very little bitterness. Definitely a fruit beer, and very much a dessert beer although you could drink it as-is. The apricot is quite clear, and yet it is an artificial flavor even if the label reads "natural flavor". The tart/sweet is similar to an apricot though.
Feel: Medium in body and a little bit dextrinous with a moderate to median carbonation that leaves it delicately bristling at first and then almost creamy and smooth.
Overall: A decent, sweetish fruit beer with a light touch of tartness that would work well as a dessert beer or aperitif.
Review # 6,994
Apr 09, 2020
teromous from Virginia
3.38/5 rDev -14%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
I don't see a bottle or import date, but on the neck it reads: "SK29Q1"
Appearance: The body is a pale gold that is mildly hazy. It forms a spotty white head that consists mostly of islands and a few oil slicks.
Aroma: It has an interesting buttery aroma at first, but it seems like as soon as the surface is agitated a bit the beer picks up a bit of sour fruit. The buttery scent comes back from time to time.
Taste: There is a light, soft, sweet flavor of apricot and a bit of peach. It is a very lovely flavor. The flavor rolls in gently across the palate and doesn't taste too sweet but rather it gives this deep stone fruit flavor.
Mouthfeel: It is smooth and slick without much carbonation. It seems to work for this beer.
Overall: The beer tastes a bit more like an apricot cider than anything else. I would recommend it to those who like apricot fruit rather than those who like apricot candy, because the beer tastes a lot more like the fruit and isn't too sweet. I liked it and could drink it again from time to time.
Oct 11, 2019
3.38/5 rDev -14%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
I don't see a bottle or import date, but on the neck it reads: "SK29Q1"
Appearance: The body is a pale gold that is mildly hazy. It forms a spotty white head that consists mostly of islands and a few oil slicks.
Aroma: It has an interesting buttery aroma at first, but it seems like as soon as the surface is agitated a bit the beer picks up a bit of sour fruit. The buttery scent comes back from time to time.
Taste: There is a light, soft, sweet flavor of apricot and a bit of peach. It is a very lovely flavor. The flavor rolls in gently across the palate and doesn't taste too sweet but rather it gives this deep stone fruit flavor.
Mouthfeel: It is smooth and slick without much carbonation. It seems to work for this beer.
Overall: The beer tastes a bit more like an apricot cider than anything else. I would recommend it to those who like apricot fruit rather than those who like apricot candy, because the beer tastes a lot more like the fruit and isn't too sweet. I liked it and could drink it again from time to time.
Oct 11, 2019
Mister_Faucher from Washington
4.49/5 rDev +14.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
18.7oz bottle purchased at Central Market in Mill Creek, Washington. I don't understand their pckd dating code.
Look- Nice slightly hazy honey/peach color with a nice little head. Minimal carbonation bubbles as it sits. Minimal lacing as it goes down.
Smell- HUGE apricot and peach, a little malty honey type thing going on, sweet.
Taste- Incredibly juicy apricot and peach, a little vanilla, not a sweet as the smell indicated.
Feel- Goes down like a wonderful fruit juice, absolutely nothing off-putting. Not filling at all either.
O- This stuff is incredible! For years I have been drinking Pyramid's apricot ale and WOW that's nowhere near as good as this, so many wasted years.
Sidenote- Seems to get a bit too much if you let it get too warm, keep it on the colder side of the range for sure. At $6.50 a bottle it could get expensive, but that's not going to keep me away.
Jul 12, 2019
4.49/5 rDev +14.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
18.7oz bottle purchased at Central Market in Mill Creek, Washington. I don't understand their pckd dating code.
Look- Nice slightly hazy honey/peach color with a nice little head. Minimal carbonation bubbles as it sits. Minimal lacing as it goes down.
Smell- HUGE apricot and peach, a little malty honey type thing going on, sweet.
Taste- Incredibly juicy apricot and peach, a little vanilla, not a sweet as the smell indicated.
Feel- Goes down like a wonderful fruit juice, absolutely nothing off-putting. Not filling at all either.
O- This stuff is incredible! For years I have been drinking Pyramid's apricot ale and WOW that's nowhere near as good as this, so many wasted years.
Sidenote- Seems to get a bit too much if you let it get too warm, keep it on the colder side of the range for sure. At $6.50 a bottle it could get expensive, but that's not going to keep me away.
Jul 12, 2019
GuyFawkes from Illinois
4/5 rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
From old, undated notes. Poured from the bottle.
Orange juice murkiness.
Bright white head; heavy lace.
Apricot nose; like an orange & a strawberry mating.
Medium mouthfeel.
Apricot jam flavor; slight hop smack on the lips. Delicious.
Jun 27, 2019
4/5 rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
From old, undated notes. Poured from the bottle.
Orange juice murkiness.
Bright white head; heavy lace.
Apricot nose; like an orange & a strawberry mating.
Medium mouthfeel.
Apricot jam flavor; slight hop smack on the lips. Delicious.
Jun 27, 2019
Squire from Mississippi
3.9/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Deep canary yellow verging on gold color with good white cap and lacing.
Slightly tart, slightly sweet aroma of ripe apricots. Not much else there in the way of grain or hops, but the apricot scent is pleasant.
Taste is a good deal more flavorful than the scent. Both tart and sweet are equally in focus on the same plane. Fruit sharpness is blunted by fruit sweetness in a way that is more off setting than balancing. Clean, simple flavors that highlight apricot in all it's glory.
Medium texture with balancing carbonation.
This is a very pleasing Summery sort of brew that strikes me more a refreshant than food accompaniment.
Mar 10, 2019
3.9/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Deep canary yellow verging on gold color with good white cap and lacing.
Slightly tart, slightly sweet aroma of ripe apricots. Not much else there in the way of grain or hops, but the apricot scent is pleasant.
Taste is a good deal more flavorful than the scent. Both tart and sweet are equally in focus on the same plane. Fruit sharpness is blunted by fruit sweetness in a way that is more off setting than balancing. Clean, simple flavors that highlight apricot in all it's glory.
Medium texture with balancing carbonation.
This is a very pleasing Summery sort of brew that strikes me more a refreshant than food accompaniment.
Mar 10, 2019
josanguapo from Spain
3.53/5 rDev -10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
De craftbeer-shop. En copa Teku. Jugando a Avernum 6. Suave y con agradable sabor a la fruta pero sin llegar al nivel de excelencia que espero de los productos de samuel smith
Dec 22, 2018
3.53/5 rDev -10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
De craftbeer-shop. En copa Teku. Jugando a Avernum 6. Suave y con agradable sabor a la fruta pero sin llegar al nivel de excelencia que espero de los productos de samuel smith
Dec 22, 2018
vinicole from United Kingdom (England)
3.92/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Bottle. Hazy yellow. Thin head.
A rather sour aroma of composting fruit.
A rich almost overwhelming hit of apricot. The sweetness overwhelms any sourness that it's smell indicated. However the light tart finish is thirst quenching.
Medium body. Well carbonated.
A distinct brew for summer drinking.
Aug 25, 2018
3.92/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Bottle. Hazy yellow. Thin head.
A rather sour aroma of composting fruit.
A rich almost overwhelming hit of apricot. The sweetness overwhelms any sourness that it's smell indicated. However the light tart finish is thirst quenching.
Medium body. Well carbonated.
A distinct brew for summer drinking.
Aug 25, 2018
HoppingMadMonk from New Jersey
4.09/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Has a very strong aroma of dried apricots, apricot jelly and juice. Theres also a perfume like candy smell but it didn't smell artificial.
Taste is very similar, sweet but not sugary sickening sweet. Apricot all the way, dried, candied, jellied, and juiced. There isn't any tartness to balance out the sweetness but it still works out well. There is a mild bitter,dry finish that lingers awhile
Overall it's an excellent fruit beer that worked really well served with dessert.
Aug 19, 2018
4.09/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Has a very strong aroma of dried apricots, apricot jelly and juice. Theres also a perfume like candy smell but it didn't smell artificial.
Taste is very similar, sweet but not sugary sickening sweet. Apricot all the way, dried, candied, jellied, and juiced. There isn't any tartness to balance out the sweetness but it still works out well. There is a mild bitter,dry finish that lingers awhile
Overall it's an excellent fruit beer that worked really well served with dessert.
Aug 19, 2018
Nass from Florida
3.96/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I am not too familiar with the taste of apricots, but I do like how this Apricot Ale tastes. I would describe this flavor as mild & light fruity type of taste. The water that they use in their beer is really tasty as well. This would go down the gullet great on a warm summer day. Cheers! B
Apr 30, 2018
3.96/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I am not too familiar with the taste of apricots, but I do like how this Apricot Ale tastes. I would describe this flavor as mild & light fruity type of taste. The water that they use in their beer is really tasty as well. This would go down the gullet great on a warm summer day. Cheers! B
Apr 30, 2018
SpeedwayJim from New York
3.36/5 rDev -14.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
16oz. bottle into Night Shift stemware. Shared by schen9303.
Nose is sugary sweet apricot. Like sweetened, dried apricot. Beer opens dried sweet apricot, pit and overripe meat. Some cane sugar in there as well. Body is light with ample carbonation. Foamy on the palate and goes down aggressive. Pretty drinkable.
As a fruit beer, this is solid. I wish there was a touch of tartness to balance out the over-the-top sweetness but this is decent enough that I would recommend it for someone who really likes the style.
Apr 14, 2018
3.36/5 rDev -14.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
16oz. bottle into Night Shift stemware. Shared by schen9303.
Nose is sugary sweet apricot. Like sweetened, dried apricot. Beer opens dried sweet apricot, pit and overripe meat. Some cane sugar in there as well. Body is light with ample carbonation. Foamy on the palate and goes down aggressive. Pretty drinkable.
As a fruit beer, this is solid. I wish there was a touch of tartness to balance out the over-the-top sweetness but this is decent enough that I would recommend it for someone who really likes the style.
Apr 14, 2018
obywan59 from Virginia
3.75/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
A hazy, golden orange in color like fruit juice with a 2 finger whitish head that leaves decent lacing.
The aroma is sour with a hint of apricot.
The taste kind of reminds me of apple cider, but with a light tart component. More sweet than tart, though. Fruity, but the apricot is not distinctive to me.
Medium bodied with light syrup. Somewhat astringent and drying. Low carbonation.
A very good fruit beer, but it's the least favorite of the three Samuel Smith fruit beers I've tried after the raspberry and the cherry. Sweet/tart and fruity, and very easy drinking.
Feb 15, 2018
3.75/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
A hazy, golden orange in color like fruit juice with a 2 finger whitish head that leaves decent lacing.
The aroma is sour with a hint of apricot.
The taste kind of reminds me of apple cider, but with a light tart component. More sweet than tart, though. Fruity, but the apricot is not distinctive to me.
Medium bodied with light syrup. Somewhat astringent and drying. Low carbonation.
A very good fruit beer, but it's the least favorite of the three Samuel Smith fruit beers I've tried after the raspberry and the cherry. Sweet/tart and fruity, and very easy drinking.
Feb 15, 2018
psjoyal from Idaho
4.87/5 rDev +23.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Not much of a fruit beer guy, but once again, "Sam'l Smith" delivers the goods. Given as a Christmas gift, I just opened it up for a mid-afternoon snack. The smell is fantastic...like fresh apricots warmed by the sun. The taste is equally impressive...not too sweet, but definitely lets you know you're drinking an apricot fruit ale. Fuller mouth-feel than expected. Almost creamy. I wish I had another, to turn this snack into a meal. Yes, please!
Jan 13, 2018
4.87/5 rDev +23.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Not much of a fruit beer guy, but once again, "Sam'l Smith" delivers the goods. Given as a Christmas gift, I just opened it up for a mid-afternoon snack. The smell is fantastic...like fresh apricots warmed by the sun. The taste is equally impressive...not too sweet, but definitely lets you know you're drinking an apricot fruit ale. Fuller mouth-feel than expected. Almost creamy. I wish I had another, to turn this snack into a meal. Yes, please!
Jan 13, 2018
maxarvo from England
4.74/5 rDev +20.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Not sure what more you'd want from a fruit beer- smells and tastes exactly like the fruit yet not too sweet, fairly cheap, etc. Seems like what a fruit beer should be.
Jan 06, 2018
4.74/5 rDev +20.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Not sure what more you'd want from a fruit beer- smells and tastes exactly like the fruit yet not too sweet, fairly cheap, etc. Seems like what a fruit beer should be.
Jan 06, 2018
MisterBanks6 from United Kingdom (Scotland)
4.72/5 rDev +20.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75
Pours a very yellowish clear colour with plenty carbonation giving it that fizzy texture. The smell was of clear apricots and slight lime biscuit. The flavour was apricot and reminded me of apricot yogurt leaving the same but strong aftertaste. Will have again.
Oct 10, 2017
4.72/5 rDev +20.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75
Pours a very yellowish clear colour with plenty carbonation giving it that fizzy texture. The smell was of clear apricots and slight lime biscuit. The flavour was apricot and reminded me of apricot yogurt leaving the same but strong aftertaste. Will have again.
Oct 10, 2017
pat61 from Minnesota
4.5/5 rDev +14.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
L: hazy gold permeated by streams of rapidly rising bubbles under a 1.5" off-white to cream foam collar with good retention
S: Apricot is the big aroma followed by light biscuit, and traces of citrus and fruit
T: Apricot, sweet biscuit, honey, orange, citrus and very mild hop flavors and bitterness
F: very creamy beer with medium to medium low carbonation
O: the malt flavors from the British malts are exactly what you want with apricot
Jul 31, 2017
4.5/5 rDev +14.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
L: hazy gold permeated by streams of rapidly rising bubbles under a 1.5" off-white to cream foam collar with good retention
S: Apricot is the big aroma followed by light biscuit, and traces of citrus and fruit
T: Apricot, sweet biscuit, honey, orange, citrus and very mild hop flavors and bitterness
F: very creamy beer with medium to medium low carbonation
O: the malt flavors from the British malts are exactly what you want with apricot
Jul 31, 2017
Lone_Freighter from Vermont
3.99/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
The appearance was a light somewhat hazy yet transparent golden yellow to almost orange color. There is a one finger white foamy head that steadies itself for a good minute and a half before slowing concaving into the body and ends up leaving a nice clingy foamy lacing. The smell is basically a good authentic smelling apricot, exactly as Samuel Smith calls for. There isn’t much else going on in the smell. The taste was basically sweet through the apricot notes but ends up giving a tad of a decent sour flavoring in it. The aftertaste is basically sweet apricot and ends up leading to a sweet dry finish. On the palate, it sits very light on the body and shows an extremely nice sessionable aspect well worth consuming on a mid May day. The carbonation is smooth and tends to hit the spot refreshing-like. Overall, I say this is a good apricot beer as it does everything one asks for from Samuel Smith, well worthy of having again and well worthy of having as a dessert beer on a nice Summer’s evening.
Jun 17, 2017
3.99/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
The appearance was a light somewhat hazy yet transparent golden yellow to almost orange color. There is a one finger white foamy head that steadies itself for a good minute and a half before slowing concaving into the body and ends up leaving a nice clingy foamy lacing. The smell is basically a good authentic smelling apricot, exactly as Samuel Smith calls for. There isn’t much else going on in the smell. The taste was basically sweet through the apricot notes but ends up giving a tad of a decent sour flavoring in it. The aftertaste is basically sweet apricot and ends up leading to a sweet dry finish. On the palate, it sits very light on the body and shows an extremely nice sessionable aspect well worth consuming on a mid May day. The carbonation is smooth and tends to hit the spot refreshing-like. Overall, I say this is a good apricot beer as it does everything one asks for from Samuel Smith, well worthy of having again and well worthy of having as a dessert beer on a nice Summer’s evening.
Jun 17, 2017
VoxRationis from New York
3.53/5 rDev -10.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Decanted from an 18.7 oz (550 ml) bottle into a tulip pint glass; no production information.
A: Pours a hazy golden, orange tinged color with a foamy, one inch white head.
S: Slightly sour fragrance with apricot, peach, and orange notes predominating.
T: Pitted fruit (apricot and peach) dominant; sourness extending beyond flavors to the finish.
M: Feels full bodied; pleasantly effervescent.
O: Fruit beer not really my style, but enjoyable.
May 31, 2017
3.53/5 rDev -10.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Decanted from an 18.7 oz (550 ml) bottle into a tulip pint glass; no production information.
A: Pours a hazy golden, orange tinged color with a foamy, one inch white head.
S: Slightly sour fragrance with apricot, peach, and orange notes predominating.
T: Pitted fruit (apricot and peach) dominant; sourness extending beyond flavors to the finish.
M: Feels full bodied; pleasantly effervescent.
O: Fruit beer not really my style, but enjoyable.
May 31, 2017
Victory_Sabre1973 from Minnesota
4.29/5 rDev +9.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
This beer pours a hazy amber color. The head was 2 finger, and fairly long lasting with lots of carbonation bubbles rising in the glass. The nose is very strong with the apricot. The taste of this beer is well, a carbonated apricot juice. There's a slight hops bite on the backside, but the fruit is front and center. Very light and refreshing feeling. It's a very delicious beer, and I'm glad I bought it.
Mar 19, 2017
4.29/5 rDev +9.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
This beer pours a hazy amber color. The head was 2 finger, and fairly long lasting with lots of carbonation bubbles rising in the glass. The nose is very strong with the apricot. The taste of this beer is well, a carbonated apricot juice. There's a slight hops bite on the backside, but the fruit is front and center. Very light and refreshing feeling. It's a very delicious beer, and I'm glad I bought it.
Mar 19, 2017
chinchill from South Carolina
4/5 rDev +1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
500 (?) ml bottle.
Hazy golden body with a durable white head, Decent lacing.
Nice aroma of ripe apricots and baked bread.
Flavor; sweet up front, then tart-sweet through the finish; tart and mildly bitter in the aftertaste, Plenty fruity wih very ripe apricot flavor,
Excellent mouthfeel; smooth, medium body with near perfect, lively carbonation.
Feb 15, 2017
4/5 rDev +1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
500 (?) ml bottle.
Hazy golden body with a durable white head, Decent lacing.
Nice aroma of ripe apricots and baked bread.
Flavor; sweet up front, then tart-sweet through the finish; tart and mildly bitter in the aftertaste, Plenty fruity wih very ripe apricot flavor,
Excellent mouthfeel; smooth, medium body with near perfect, lively carbonation.
Feb 15, 2017
ThePopeFromTV from California
2.92/5 rDev -25.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5
I'm honestly not the type to rate a beer on its appearance or smell or feel. I've had a lot of fruit beers in my lifetime; many miss the mark, many play it safe, and some hit the nail on the head for the perfect balance of fruit and beer.
This one missed the mark. The flavor was fine, but the sweetness of this beer overpowered me about halfway through my glass, which was only about 1/4 of the full bottle. It didn't take long for my enjoyment of this to turn into disappointment as I slowly came to the conclusion that I didn't want to finish even the glass I had in front of me. The aftertaste was even sweeter and reminiscent of the aftertaste of ice wine.
I give the taste a solid 2.5 to account for both my initial enjoyment and, soon thereafter, my inability to finish the glass.
Feb 08, 2017
2.92/5 rDev -25.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5
I'm honestly not the type to rate a beer on its appearance or smell or feel. I've had a lot of fruit beers in my lifetime; many miss the mark, many play it safe, and some hit the nail on the head for the perfect balance of fruit and beer.
This one missed the mark. The flavor was fine, but the sweetness of this beer overpowered me about halfway through my glass, which was only about 1/4 of the full bottle. It didn't take long for my enjoyment of this to turn into disappointment as I slowly came to the conclusion that I didn't want to finish even the glass I had in front of me. The aftertaste was even sweeter and reminiscent of the aftertaste of ice wine.
I give the taste a solid 2.5 to account for both my initial enjoyment and, soon thereafter, my inability to finish the glass.
Feb 08, 2017
drpimento from Wisconsin
4.41/5 rDev +12.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Very good. Aroma’s fresh, ripe apricots, yeast, and a hint of malt. Flavor’s similar to nose, mostly sweet offset with a bit of tart and just right carbonation. Slightly chewy. Excellent finish. Goes great with an aged cheddar.
Sep 03, 2016
4.41/5 rDev +12.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Very good. Aroma’s fresh, ripe apricots, yeast, and a hint of malt. Flavor’s similar to nose, mostly sweet offset with a bit of tart and just right carbonation. Slightly chewy. Excellent finish. Goes great with an aged cheddar.
Sep 03, 2016
bevvy1 from Ontario (Canada)
3.85/5 rDev -2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
Summer 2016. Cloudy light and golden, lots of bubbles, but little head. Reminds me of a weissbeer or tripel. Looking forward to it.
Smell is muted I was expecting way more and only got faint fruit notes, even as the beer warms up can't figure out what that faint smell is. Fruity for sure.
Taste and Feel I am so conflicted here. Obvious apricot (jam) notes and very sweet, and there are wheat and cereal notes to make it seem like beer, but.... is it juice or beer half the time? I knew what I was getting into when I saw "Apricot beer," but am maybe wishing for a bit more in the way of bitterness/hops instead of fruit? It's tasty and refreshing, and am very glad that in spite of its sweetness it does not linger too much or feel syrupy (helped by carbonation here). This would be great for the girls.
Aug 02, 2016
3.85/5 rDev -2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
Summer 2016. Cloudy light and golden, lots of bubbles, but little head. Reminds me of a weissbeer or tripel. Looking forward to it.
Smell is muted I was expecting way more and only got faint fruit notes, even as the beer warms up can't figure out what that faint smell is. Fruity for sure.
Taste and Feel I am so conflicted here. Obvious apricot (jam) notes and very sweet, and there are wheat and cereal notes to make it seem like beer, but.... is it juice or beer half the time? I knew what I was getting into when I saw "Apricot beer," but am maybe wishing for a bit more in the way of bitterness/hops instead of fruit? It's tasty and refreshing, and am very glad that in spite of its sweetness it does not linger too much or feel syrupy (helped by carbonation here). This would be great for the girls.
Aug 02, 2016
drmeto from Germany
3.98/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
L:
-pours a hazy golden with a medium,frothy,white head
-medium carbonation visible
S:
-tangerines,apricot,acidic,lemon,lime,wheaty,almost lambic-like barnyard
T:
-Follows the nose plus grassy
-light to medium sourness
F:
-medium carbonation
-light to medium body
O:
A great fruit Beer without too much sweetness
Jul 29, 2016
3.98/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
L:
-pours a hazy golden with a medium,frothy,white head
-medium carbonation visible
S:
-tangerines,apricot,acidic,lemon,lime,wheaty,almost lambic-like barnyard
T:
-Follows the nose plus grassy
-light to medium sourness
F:
-medium carbonation
-light to medium body
O:
A great fruit Beer without too much sweetness
Jul 29, 2016
Libeertarian from Montana
3.67/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
From notes taken 06/23/16:
Served in Samuel Smith pint glass. British beer while watching the Brexit results, seems appropriate, even for a Yank. Mostly clear golden ale with fruity orange twinge. Delicate off-white foamy head. Strong fruity aroma, apricot I suppose, but really not a far cry from the strawberry fruit ale smell. It does taste a little more overtly like apricot, at least. Light hopping noticed as it settles, but fruity throughout. Unlike the strawberry ale, I think the fact it is not extremely malt-forward makes this a good, rather than mediocre beer. Medium to full in body. Mellow carbonation, a refreshing beverage.
Jul 15, 2016
3.67/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
From notes taken 06/23/16:
Served in Samuel Smith pint glass. British beer while watching the Brexit results, seems appropriate, even for a Yank. Mostly clear golden ale with fruity orange twinge. Delicate off-white foamy head. Strong fruity aroma, apricot I suppose, but really not a far cry from the strawberry fruit ale smell. It does taste a little more overtly like apricot, at least. Light hopping noticed as it settles, but fruity throughout. Unlike the strawberry ale, I think the fact it is not extremely malt-forward makes this a good, rather than mediocre beer. Medium to full in body. Mellow carbonation, a refreshing beverage.
Jul 15, 2016
TheHammer from Ontario (Canada)
2.87/5 rDev -27%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 2.75
Appearance: Poured with a thumb of head that didn't lacke but did stick around. The bodly a a cloudy yellow with green notes and low carbonation.
Smell: As expected, the overwhelming presence of Apricots dominates the nose. Warmning doesn't really help or harm it, but only the barest notes of malt can be detected from this one.
Taste: It starts with a pleasent mild fruity apricot taste which is nice, but then when you expect the beer elements to make some form of presence, it's like someone poured concentrated sour apricots and lemon juice over my mouth. It's incredibly tart and sour, honestly to the beer's detriment. This drinks more like cider then beer and next to no malt and certainly no hop presence can be found.
Mouthfeel: Well the aftertaste is expected, apricots so that's nice, but that's where this one ends. This beer doesn't ease you into it's sour element, but hits you like a sack of bricks. The carbonation is low so it doesn't really accent any part of the beer, it comes off as a little bit acidic feeling and I'm left asking where are the hops to reign in some of this?
Drinkability: That acidic note is really doing this beer no favours here. Well is does settle down well, it doesn't come across and refreshing, crisp or even desert like. More, like that you are eating liquidfied fuzzy peach candy.
Final Thoughts: I have no doubt this beer appeals to someone, and indeed someone else may find it superb, but that person is not me. It drinks far more like apricot cider then beer. There's no malt, no bitterness, no anything but sour alcholized apricots. It is to the point where I almost suspect a bad bottle. Regardless, I'll be sticking to St-Ambroise for my Apricot fix, because this is a pass to me. What a shame, my first bad beer from Samuel Smith's, but given this is my 12th beer reviewed from them before hitting something less appealing, I'd say that ain't bad at all. So whatever you do, don't let this poor review in any way influence you to avoid a normally spectacular brewer.
Jun 27, 2016
2.87/5 rDev -27%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 2.75
Appearance: Poured with a thumb of head that didn't lacke but did stick around. The bodly a a cloudy yellow with green notes and low carbonation.
Smell: As expected, the overwhelming presence of Apricots dominates the nose. Warmning doesn't really help or harm it, but only the barest notes of malt can be detected from this one.
Taste: It starts with a pleasent mild fruity apricot taste which is nice, but then when you expect the beer elements to make some form of presence, it's like someone poured concentrated sour apricots and lemon juice over my mouth. It's incredibly tart and sour, honestly to the beer's detriment. This drinks more like cider then beer and next to no malt and certainly no hop presence can be found.
Mouthfeel: Well the aftertaste is expected, apricots so that's nice, but that's where this one ends. This beer doesn't ease you into it's sour element, but hits you like a sack of bricks. The carbonation is low so it doesn't really accent any part of the beer, it comes off as a little bit acidic feeling and I'm left asking where are the hops to reign in some of this?
Drinkability: That acidic note is really doing this beer no favours here. Well is does settle down well, it doesn't come across and refreshing, crisp or even desert like. More, like that you are eating liquidfied fuzzy peach candy.
Final Thoughts: I have no doubt this beer appeals to someone, and indeed someone else may find it superb, but that person is not me. It drinks far more like apricot cider then beer. There's no malt, no bitterness, no anything but sour alcholized apricots. It is to the point where I almost suspect a bad bottle. Regardless, I'll be sticking to St-Ambroise for my Apricot fix, because this is a pass to me. What a shame, my first bad beer from Samuel Smith's, but given this is my 12th beer reviewed from them before hitting something less appealing, I'd say that ain't bad at all. So whatever you do, don't let this poor review in any way influence you to avoid a normally spectacular brewer.
Jun 27, 2016
Organic Apricot Ale from Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster)
Beer rating:
88 out of
100 with
431 ratings
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