John Smith's Original
John Smith's Brewery (Heineken UK)
- From:
- John Smith's Brewery (Heineken UK)
- England, United Kingdom
- Style:
- English Bitter
- ABV:
- 4%
- Score:
- 81
- Avg:
- 3.31 | pDev: 20.54%
- Ratings:
- | reviews: 4
- Status:
- Retired
- Rated:
- Jun 10, 2025
- Added:
- Jan 25, 2008
- Wants:
- 1
- Gots:
- 0
SCORE
81
Good
81
Good
No description / notes.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Reviewed by Cyberkedi from Georgia
3.24/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
3.24/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
Had from a nitro can. Pours a nice clear amber with a fairly thick and fine-bubbled ivory head that leaves some good lacing. Aroma is crisp and malty and a little fruity. Flavor is malty and refreshing, typical but pleasing. Smooth, firm texture has plenty of fizz thanks to the nitrogen. Overall, average but enjoyable.
Jan 09, 2015
Reviewed by IchLiebeBier from Virginia
4/5 rDev +20.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4/5 rDev +20.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance: Copper colored; big head, long lasting; clear
Aroma: Bready; floral; hoppy; malty
Taste: Creamy and juicy on start; slight hop bite on start and throughout, but not over done; smooth and well balanced; refreshing
Remarks: From can
Did not score A, T, S, M at that time; disregard those scores
Jun 15, 2013Aroma: Bready; floral; hoppy; malty
Taste: Creamy and juicy on start; slight hop bite on start and throughout, but not over done; smooth and well balanced; refreshing
Remarks: From can
Did not score A, T, S, M at that time; disregard those scores
Reviewed by BeerDude59 from Florida
3.15/5 rDev -4.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.25
3.15/5 rDev -4.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.25
This is one of 3 English bitters that I've tried during the last couple of weeks. My friend lives near Lakenheath and he brought me several to sample.
Of the 3 bitters I've tried (John Smiths, Boddingtons, and Tetley's) this one is the best of the 3 but it's certainly not my favorite category nor is it a top notch beer. That said, it's a good solid bitter.
Nice appearance...nice head.
Woody smell.
Good tasting beer.
Little syrupy mouthfeel.
Overall...little better than average beer.
Jan 26, 2013Of the 3 bitters I've tried (John Smiths, Boddingtons, and Tetley's) this one is the best of the 3 but it's certainly not my favorite category nor is it a top notch beer. That said, it's a good solid bitter.
Nice appearance...nice head.
Woody smell.
Good tasting beer.
Little syrupy mouthfeel.
Overall...little better than average beer.
Reviewed by travolta from California
2.78/5 rDev -16%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
2.78/5 rDev -16%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
App:
Murky, clear brown, frothy, whipped head with tight bubbling. Nice lacing. Head retention is good/very good.
Nose:
Malty, slightly sweet.
Taste: A little carbonation on the tongue. malt, sweet, smooth, a watery nitro mouthfeel.
Notes:
Had this at a pub in Stanley on the Falkland Islands.
Jan 25, 2008Murky, clear brown, frothy, whipped head with tight bubbling. Nice lacing. Head retention is good/very good.
Nose:
Malty, slightly sweet.
Taste: A little carbonation on the tongue. malt, sweet, smooth, a watery nitro mouthfeel.
Notes:
Had this at a pub in Stanley on the Falkland Islands.
We love reviews (150 characters or more)! Check out: How to Review a Beer. You don't need to get fancy. Drop some thoughts on the beer's attributes (look, smell, taste, feel) plus your overall impression. Something that backs up your rating and helps others. Thanks!