A taste of… Sam’l Smith Organic Cherry

Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster)
High Street
Tadcaster, North Yorkshire
United Kingdom (England)
phone: 01937 832225

Preface: This is another sample sent by the folks at Merchant du Vin, Tukwila, WA. The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew. It arrived via delivery service and has been stored in a cool, dry, dark place (a Brooklyn apartment). I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: A light pink tinge to the deep copper colored brew is enhanced with a fine carbonation of tiny bubbles that form a very craggy, rocky head of tan foam that is very adept a tatting a fine Belgian lace on the sides of the pint glass.

Aroma: The first impression is that of sour cherry sugar candy, or as we had them here in the United States, “Smith Brothers” cough-drops. The second olfactory visit revealed some citric (lemon) impressions. The third impression and the moment between sip and lip left me with a sweet cherry tang.

Mouth feel: The carbonation and slight carbolic acid spike shoots the cherry flavors to the top of the mouth and the back of the pallet.

Flavor: There is no doubt, after the first drop is tasted, this is a cherry brew. The second taste lets you know that it is still a beer with some grain accents and a tang that is not cherry so must be a touch of bittering hops. The third sip seemed a bit vinous, almost pink sparkling wine. The influence of the color and the aroma must have more than a passing influence.

Finish: There is a rather quick departure rather than a fruity flowery forever finish common to less crafted brews.

Comments: This is a brew that I would pour in wine flutes and serve with a fresh fruit mélange. Or, perhaps, strawberries dipped in crème fresh.

The Brewery: N/A

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/113/37400

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/samuel-smith-organic-cherry/68857/