Family Dark Ale Style Stout
Country England ABV 5.0%
Price $$$$ Packaging 12oz/355ml, 18.7oz/553ml bottle
Characteristics Malty, roasty

Overview The buttery diacetyl flavors in Samuel Smith’s beer are the byproduct of their traditional yeasts. Complex systems were developed over the years to help ensure full fermentation, but to some extent, these flavors are just part of the style.

Flavors and aromas A nose with chocolate, diacetyl, toasty malt, and a whiff of acetaldehyde or cider vinegar didn’t excite our tasters, but things improved somewhat in the palate, where we found mild roast character, baking chocolate, malt, and good carbonation. The finish is sweet and heavy to the point of being moderately cloying. More dark malt, roast character, or bitterness would be welcome here.