If organic beer is your new thing, head straight to Whole Foods to pick up a 550ML bottle of Organic Ale from Samuel Smiths – a Yorkshire brewery in Tadcaster since 1758, renowned for using a strain of yeast from the early 1900s and brewing water from a 200-year-old sunken well.
I know what you're thinking. Beer from 1758? Not so sure I wanna drink that. Wrong. Ever since Samuel Smith's was introduced to the U.S. in 1978 by Merchant Du Vin, the beer became so popular it practically started the craft beer movement, and continues to be one of the most awarded beer brands today. (Perhaps it's because Samuel Smiths is of the last breweries to aerate & ferment their beer in stone squares.)
The Washdown:
- fruity nose, copper color, thick head, mildly carbonated, sweet malt Samuel Smith's Organic Pale Ale (England, UK) 5% ABV
I really enjoy Samuel Smith's Beer – I was first introduced to it by my British father, of course. So when I found out Whole Foods sold an Organic version brewed with Organic Malted Barley, Organic Hops and Yeast, I had to try it. Now it's going on my regular grocery shopping list.
Pop the cap and aromas of sweet caramel apples, vanilla, and coconut fill the air. Pour it in the glass and a frothy thick head forms, while fruity notes like apricot take over. When tasting, flavors of sweet malt, honey, and mild citrus come out to play.
The Organic Ale is not very hoppy, or bitter, and not too sweet either – this is definitely not a dessert ale, but you can taste hints of fruits and honey with each sip. It's smooth, a beautiful golden copper color, and should be enjoyed with chicken, fish, or even a fruit pie a la mode for dessert. The carbonation is mild too, very characteristic of an English brew.
Samuel Smith's Organic Ale is certified Organic by the USDA-accredited UK Soil Association. Also, Vegans will be happy to know that ALL Samuel Smith beers are registered as Vegan Products with The Vegan Society.
Cheers to Organic & Vegan Pints!
