Beer review — Samuel Smith and Cooper’s

Samuel Smith Organic Best Ale 550ml $9.40
This very fruity, piquant ale comes from Tadcaster, Yorkshire. The colour’s mid amber-gold; it has a luxurious, long-lasting head; and the palate, though rich and malty, is cut with tangy acidity and well-balanced hops. There’s an overall impression of richness and complexity without heaviness.

Cooper’s 62 Pilsner 355ml 6-pack $16.99
In 1862, as Abe Lincoln grappled with the rebellion, Cooper’s founded its wonderful ale empire. They perfected ale making but made occasional rebellious forays into lager land. Alas, the latest raid, a fresh but tepid shot at Bohemia’s pilsner style, lacks the palate weight or bitterness of this classic style.

Copyright © Chris Shanahan 2009