This Winter Warmer has caramel malt up front and sour hops in the finish.  It is pretty smooth and has a decent mouth-feel.  There seems to be just an essence of spiciness and the 6% alcohol content is hidden well.  This beer is well balanced, a trait that I admire.  Considering it's a Winter Warmer, I expected it to be a little fuller and richer.  Although, believe me, I like the almost subtle nature of this beer quite a bit.

Most Winter Warmers I've encountered have had more of a roasted Maltiness and often a much more prominent spice taste.  Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome is really a little more like an ESB with less hoppiness and more maltiness.  (As a consequence, it's right up my ally.)  I just wanted to point that out for those who may purchase this expecting some dark roasted malt and IN YOUR FACE spices, this is really a lighter, smoother brew.  Although I'm giving it a 9, it probably deserves better, maybe I'm in a bad mood today.  Although, now that I'm nearing the bottom of this 550ml brew, I'm actually feeling pretty good.

Bottle Cap

Brewery Website

BeerTripper Rating

http://www.merchantduvin.com/pages/5_breweries/samsmith.html

Alcohol Concentration

6.00

Winter Warmer

Ale