April 8, 2009: Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale

The story of Samuel Smith's brewery is one of the most interesting and bizarre tales to come from the annals of brewing history. Today, Samuel Smith's is a well respected brand among the brewing community, but few people are aware of this brewery's humble and improbable beginning in 19th century Yorkshire, England. The Smith family were prominent butchers in area, and the patriarch John Smith took it upon himself to relieve the Hartley family from Tadcaster of their struggling brewery. Joined by his brother William, John Smith was able to create a thriving family business, which he eventually left to his nephew Samuel (not the son of William, but another brother. Try to keep up with me please). Samuel's uncle William eventually bought out his share of the brewery, and moved the brewery operation next door, where the famous John Smith brand was created. The old brewery sat disused until Samuel Smith's son (Samuel Jr.) used it to create the brand known today as Samuel Smith's. It's strange but true, both brands today exist independently of each other and have enjoyed great success in their own right. Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale is a classic english brown ale, with a bold nutty flavor that is suggested by the name. This brew has a full, creamy body with very little carbonation that goes down very smoothly. The measure of a decent beer in my book is when I find myself wanting more, and I definitely couldn't get enough of Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale. I could hardly put this beer down because I enjoyed it so much, and it was long gone before I knew it. You can't find Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale just anywhere, but it's worth a taste if you're able to track it down in a specialty shop.

Cheers,
Ian