For my part, winter is never welcome, but beer makes the cold times more tolerable.  Let me start by saying that this is beer was above average, but I like some of Sam Smith’s stuff better.  A much better way to “Welcome” the winter might be their delicious Imperial Stout.

The head on the beer looked like a high snowy winter peak, which was held in place by the very active and bubbly beer.  In the glass, the Ale looked as crisp and clean as a winter’s day.  Its deep copper tones were beautiful in my Samuel Smith’s glass.

Aroma-wise the beer had more hops than many of Samuel Smith’s beers (notably their Pale Ale, which we’ve previously reviewed).  Along with the nice floral aroma, there was a malty sweetness that dominated the brew.  Grains, slight nuttiness, and hints of caramel were present in the nose.

The malty sweetness that was in the nose turned into slight sweet malts on the palate.  Hops were also very evident in the taste of the brew.  I would say that the middle of the beer really showed some hop bitterness and taste.  Perhaps the bitterness of the hops makes the bitter winter more tolerable.  The hops continued through the end but were phased out by a tasty roasted grain finish.  I thought it was a very well-balanced beer.

By the way, in my original post, I mentioned trying the beer with some food.  I made some Pad Thai.  The sweet malty hops bitterness really complemented the spiciness of the food.