Samuel Smith’s Organically Produced Lager Beer

Gah! A stunning reminder (if one were needed) that “organic” does not equal “delicious, tasty and refreshing”. Which is a shame, because as everyone knows I am a big fan of both tasty refreshing delicious lager and tree-hugging, so this should have been a winner.

Instead, it’s a below-average lager. Bear in mind of course that it’s nowhere near as bad as a cheap macro in a tin, but this is definitely a drink that’s a bit fat and almost frumpy in the taste department. Seems to me there’s too many hops and not enough  carbonation, along with a faint whiff of  a old-sock about it. Not entirely unpleasant, but still - there’s definitely better things to drink out there.

A bit of a let-down from the usually reliable Sam Smith’s - JBB6 rating: Middle of the Road

Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout

I was really looking forward to Mr. Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout.  It has been sitting in my fridge for about a week, staring me in the eye every time I open the door.  Tonight, it gave me its last sultry look and I decided to have a go at it. 

First a little background… my stout virginity was taken with Captain Bastard’s Oatmeal Stout while attending Utah State in Logan, Utah at a great little local bar called the White Owl.  The White Owl served their beer in big mugs called Big Dogs which were about a pint and a half.  So… my first trip there I knew I wanted something dark since I didn’t like Bud or Miller, so I went with Captain Bastard.  At the time, I remember thinking it was pure heaven and that became my steady drink there.  Nothing like sitting up on their balcony, enjoying a steak you got to grill on their outdoor grill, enjoying a Big Dog of Captain Bastard.  Those were the good old days.

So, anyhow, that brings me into tonight with super-high expectations… I should know better.  I do love most of Mr. Samuel Smith’s beer, but this didn’t live up to my own lofty expectations.  Not that Captain Bastard would anymore either, but I have my memories to live with for now.  Tonights brew was dark, thick, and strong with a ho-hum flavor that didn’t go down nearly as smooth as I would have liked.  The best part about the beer was probably the thick, dark brown head that stuck around for a bit.  Other than that, this beer was right there in the middle of the road.

JBB6 Rating: Middle of the Road

Sam Smith’s Famous Taddy Porter

As black and peaty as a night on the Yorkshire moors, Sam Smith’s Taddy Porter brings to mind dark Victorian railways, forbodeing fog-shrouded ruins, howling hounds (of the Baskerville variety) and our old beer-drinking friend in the deerstalker, Sherlock Holmes. How appropriate, then, that the last time I remember drinking this was in the Princess Louise in Holborn, back in 1993 when I used to spend every day in a dark smoky pub somewhere in London. Fine little boozer, the Princess Louise - look her up for me if you’re ever in that neck of the woods…

Fifteen years, good grief - too long to wait for another taste of this fine black pint, with it’s deep chocolate head and an undercurrent of burnt toast that lets you know you’re onto something a little bit different.  Malty, too. I like that in a beer.

 

Whether it can compete with the Hawaiian version that Doug’s been raving about I don’t know yet, but it’s gonna be interesting to compare.

Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery Pale Ale

Last beer of the night, Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery Pale Ale, was one suggested by my good friend Po.  While this was the best beer of the night, I think their Nut Brown Ale still is my favorite of theirs.  This beer had a different bitterness that just didn’t catch my pallet.

Still, a good beer to end the night and the year on.

   

Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale

First bottle of the night was Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale… bought at the local Fred Meyer.  Overall, an outstanding beer… highly recommend for smooth taste and full flavor.  Really a great beer to start the night off right.