Beer of the Weekend #851: Samuel Smith's Organic Raspberry Ale

With a fridge full of leftover beer, I bought a single bottle instead of a sixer or four-pack for this weekend: Samuel Smith’s Organic Raspberry Ale, brewed by the Samuel Smith Old Brewery of Tadcaster, England.


The color is ruby with tones of pink. A finger of pink, dense, bubble-spotted head settles slowly and evenly. The aroma is dark and fruity, and reminds me of a raspberry smoothie. It portends tartness, or at least sweetness, and is almost astringent because the aroma tickles the nostrils. The raspberry aroma is fresh and sharp. It is vinous, too, which adds an odd element. The flavor is amazing! It is dominated by raspberry, of course. It is sweet, but not overly sweet or distracting. It is very much like a juice or smoothie. The vinous character comes out as well, adding an interesting twist with each sip, though it is not offensive or distracting. This beer is delicious! It is hard to resist the urge to chug it!

Fun facts about Organic Raspberry Ale:

• Style: Fruit ale.

• Price: $5.99 for a 550-ml bottle at the New Pioneer Food Co-op in Iowa City.

• Alcohol content: 5.1 percent ABV.


The Quiet Man’s grade: A.

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