Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale

Fancy beer of the night:

Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale.  I got a six-pack of interesting imports from all over the world along with that sweet tall mug from my girlfriend for Valentine's Day/2-year anniversary, hence I'm drinking things I normally couldn't afford.  The foodie in me loves this sort of gift beyond all belief.

But the beer.  Ah, the beer...

I know English ales are supposed to be the more bitter counterpart to the rest of the world's.  I've had the typical mass-marketed Murphy's and Guinness, but this is my first experience with an English craft brew.

First thought Damn, it's dry.  Second thought: Too dry.  Third thought:  It's like a Negra Modelo, but dry.

After a while, though, the flavor's finally starting to come through.  I think this is one of those beers that should be had at room temp instead of chilled.  There's a little toastiness going on, a lot of yeast smell (complements the toast flavor nicely), some bitters that don't linger too long, and a nice, tangy, white wine sort of finish.

It's not a loaf of bread in a bottle (ahem Guinness), but it's not a Negra Modelo-light, Mexican sort of dark.  This is balanced, slanted a bit toward what I imagine a classic English beer would taste like.

Not bad.  I'd drink it again, but I think it would be better on a warm autumn night, instead of a frigid winter one like tonight.