Sam Smith's Old Brewery Pale Ale

Waiting on the debate, so I figured good time for trying something different. Stopped by MWL and figured I'd give a couple of Sam Smith's a try.

I am starting with Sam's Pale Ale. Sam's starts off with a nice dark copper color, good head and mild carbonation. Right off the bat you can tell the difference between an english pale ale and an american. Sam's has a sweet malty taste and just a hint of hops on the taste and little to none on the nose. Sam's is a good quality ale, if you like malty beer light on hops, this one is for you, myself, I prefer american styles more and more.

Dragon Stout

My friend Alex came to me the other day telling me about this great beer that he tried at a Reggae festival in Rhode Island. Alex is not a big beer drinker and for him to rave about a beer is something else. Alex told me that he tried to obtain Dragon from a variety of places. Knowing that I know Jimmy pretty well I called on Alex's behalf. Not on did Jimmy know this beer like all the others MWL carries it as a regular offering.

Because of Alex's excitement I sampled a six of the Stout. I brought it to a tailgate party and sampled it right out of the cooler. I must admit the first few mouth fulls were a bit disappointing, but as the stout warmed down to a cool temperature the flavor blossomed. Dragon stout will not be for everyone, you will either like or you won't. I myself did enjoy it but it would not go to the top of my list.

Do not be surprised by the small bottle as it is a strong beer, 7.5%. I prefer to drink it out of a large wine glass, this concentrates the aroma and adds to the experience. This is a dark, intense flavor full of roasted malt, cocoa and espresso.

If you are in an experimental mood, give it a try. You might like it, then again you might not!

Saranac Pale Ale

I find it interesting how I trend to certain styles of beers. Back when I had time to actually brew my own beer I focused on Pales, Ambers and Stouts. This summer I found myself really enjoying the crispness of many Pale Ales and Saranac is another winner.

A typical Pale with a nice copper color, good head and proper bend of hops on the pallet and nose and fruity flavors. While I do measure most Pales against Sierra Nevada, choose Sarnac and you will not be disappointed. I wasn't.