Today, I’m going to review a proper Brown Ale. The Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale produced by Samuel Smith’s, The Old Brewery, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
This beer was the first Samuel Smith’s brew I ever tried and let me tell you. It was an eye opening experience.
With that being said, I thought it would be a good idea to do a complete review of this wonderful interpretation of a Brown Ale.
First, a description from the website, samuelsmithsbrewery.co.uk.
Brewed with well water (the original well at the Old Brewery, sunk in 1758, is still in use, with the hard well water being drawn from 85 feet underground); best barely malt, yeast and aromatic hops; fermented in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’ to create a relatively dry ale with rich nutty colour and palate of beech nuts, almonds and walnuts.
I can’t wait to try this again, so let’s get started.
This Nut Brown came packaged in a 12 oz. bottle and had an ABV of 5.0%.
This beer poured a very nice, clear, copper/brown color with some burnt orange highlights showing through at the bottom of the glass. From a medium pour, I received a boisterous, light tan, smooth, creamy head with exceptional retention and some pretty darn good lacing. The crown eventually settled to a nice silky film on top that lasted the duration.
The aroma was a waft of wonderful roasted malt. Very nutty and very earthy. I found almonds, walnuts and pecans. I’ve never smelled chestnuts roasting on an open fire, but I would be willing to bet that they smell very similar to the aroma of this beer. I didn’t find much in the way of hops, but none were needed in my opinion. My full attention was on the roasted, toasted nutty goodness. It completely engulfed my nostrils, pleased the senses and I liked it!!! Complex and harmonious all around.
The taste was very similar to the aroma with the roasted, toasted nutty characteristics. I also stumbled upon flavors of freshly baked bread loafs along with a slight “woody” tone and a light buttery creaminess. Not much sweetness in there I didn’t think. A very minute, almost non-existent bitterness was felt on the sides of the tongue. Very well balanced and good.
The mouthfeel was medium, very dry and smooth with good carbonation. It left a fair amount of flavor behind on the palate, however it would have been nice to have a little bit more. It was still fine and good though.
This is a certified classic Brown Ale. Very traditional. Nothing overly fancy or exotic, but just down right good!!! It’s very easy to drink, sessionable and worth a try if you’ve yet to do so. This beer could be drunk year round with ease. For me, it’s not quite as good as the Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar. The Rogue had a brown, sugary sweetness that I so enjoyed. With that being said, the Sam Smith’s is right up there. Both are superb in their own way. I can definitely see why so many brewers try to copy this Brown Ale. It’s that good.
What’s the best Brown Ale you guys have ever tried? Does the Sam Smith’s top your list?
Let me know in the comments if you wish.
Thanks everyone. I hope your day is going well.
Cheers!!!
Score: 4.35 out of 5
Grade: A
Beer Apprentice - Craft Beer News, Reviews, Interviews and Info. 
Sud Savant
July 21, 2011 at 10:49 pm
This is probably my favorite, though I have not tried the Rogue that you mentioned. Glad you read you enjoyed this one as much as I do. Cheers!
Sud Savant
July 21, 2011 at 10:49 pm
This is probably my favorite, though I have not tried the Rogue that you mentioned. Glad you read you enjoyed this one as much as I do. Cheers!
shrews824
July 22, 2011 at 12:40 pm
Sud,
I enjoyed this beer tremendously. I try to pick up a 4 pack every now and then because it's just so darn good!!! Once again, Sam Smith's nails the style everytime.
shrews824
July 22, 2011 at 12:40 pm
Sud,
I enjoyed this beer tremendously. I try to pick up a 4 pack every now and then because it's just so darn good!!! Once again, Sam Smith's nails the style everytime.