It really is about time that I finally review a proper English ale, and on that note I cannot think of many other English breweries (whose ales are occasionally available in BC) who deserve that honour more than Samuel Smith’s!
Certainly in my experience none of their ales are disappointing; their IPA is incredibly superb, and the Winter Welcome is probably my favourite winter seasonal beer out there. The Winter Welcome comes with a different label every year, and unlike most winter seasonal’s that tend to be heavy, dark, and sweet, this one is light, malty, and hoppy. It is like a part of a meal, rather than a dessert.
Shakespeare, The Bartender, Rugby, and A White Horse.
Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome 2013/2014
Cellared for one year. Enjoyed with family and friends in early January 2015.
Appearance: a nice copper colour.
Nose: a perfect balance of floral hops and chewy malt.
Palate: continuing to be balanced with caramel and cereals.
Finish: malty undertones with hops in the forefront, a lingering freshness.
Overall: A superbly balanced beer, smooth, delicious.
Rating: 5/5 Fucking Excellent
Stories From The Pub 
sounds tempting. is it available at BCLB stores?
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I have only ever found it at private stores. The Village Green had it the last two winters, but alas, not this year.
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Surely “the man” is no ordinary man – that’s the Landlord!
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Do you mean that age old English position of Landlord at the travellers inn, where one can find a fine repast, a tasty pint, and a warm bed?
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How about Bartender?
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I take it all back now that I know how these pubs work! He’s definitely the landlord!!!
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I see you’ve changed the caption from man to bartender, rendering my first comment nonsensical. In order to weather the undeserved scorn which is undoubtedly being showered upon me from points far and wide, I’m going to have to drink my new Winter Welcome all by myself.
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I changed it 3 years ago to bartender, based on your second comment. I’m only just now realising that it should indeed be landlord. Perhaps I’ll change it in honour of Ian, my landlord. And no, don’t do that, they taste better when cellared for one year!
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Riley, that picture shows the dust in our house. Perhaps next picture we should rectify that.
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You can be the official “blog duster”.
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