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Big Beef Beer Review
By Tim

A Wass-ale. HA HA HA.  I have finally torn myself away from the home improvement shows on The Learning Channel long enough to provide another holiday season beer review. This weeks review is on Samuel Smith's - Winter Welcome Ale. Brewed in the oldest brewery (1758) in Yorkshire, England, Winter Welcome is imported only by Merchant du Vin in Seattle, Washington.

Winter Welcome is bottled with a very peculiar label that contains a gingerbread house in the middle. The aroma is advertised as floral, but I am not sure that I agree with that description. I recommend that you let the beer sit a minute or two after opening or be prepared for a smell that is much more related to Pepe' Le Pew than a flower. The smell, though, is not strong and does not take away from the beer during consumption. Thankfully, the rest of the characteristics are positive. The flavor is unlike many beers, many enter the mouth smooth and sweet and leave bitter and nasty, Winter Welcome enters slightly bitter but leaves smooth and sweet. This improves the aftertaste and makes it a much more palatable drink. The taste is rich and should go well with any holiday meal that is served. Especially, any type of bird (well, I have only eaten turkey and chicken so you are on your own for the rest of the bird family).

Overall, I rate this Ale 4 BB & B's for its history and distinctive rich sweetness.

Winter Welcome comes in a four pack of bottles. I am not sure of the price but it was reasonable. Sorry, the beer does not retail at the local grocery store but should be available at most liquor stores. Go to the Merchant du Vin websight for distributors in your area and for a good selection of other fine imported ales and beer. Or, wait till we review more of the beverages they import.

Ranking:  out of 5 BB&B's.

Availability: May be hard to find.  Check their website for a distributor near you.

URL:  www.merchantduvin.com

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