Expensive Taste: Samuel Smith Brewery

You want to spoil yourself with a smooth English beer? A little beer brewed in Tadcaster, Yorkshire England might be just what you need! It’s called Samuel Smith and it’s more than just a name, it’s a way of life!

When my fathers birthday comes along I pickup a few packs (or a ‘case’) of Samuel Smith. Typically, you can’t buy it in a “case” but you can buy a case worth of Sam Smith 4-packs. It will probably run you USD $60.00 for six or so packs of Sam Smith but it’s worth every penny if you like good English beers.

Around my neck of the woods you can find Sam Smith in a few of their styles, Taddy Porter, Nut Brown Ale, Oatmeal Stout and a few others. I suggest any of them because their all competitively smooth when compared to each other.

“In 1847, Samuel Smith, a butcher and cattle dealer from Meanwood, Leeds, funded his son John to buy a struggling brewing business in Tadcaster from the Hartley family. That brewery, founded in 1758, is said to be the oldest in Yorkshire.

John Smith took over the brewery in 1852 forming John Smith’s Brewery. He was later joined by his brother William. John then left the brewery to the eldest son of his other brother Samuel and the joint custiodianship of the business to both William and Samuel. However William bought Samuel’s half and moved the business to a new brewery, next door, which is where John Smiths is now brewed, then leaving the business to his sister’s sons. Meanwhile Samuel’s son Samuel Smith, inherited the Old Brewery on William’s death in 1886, and re-opened the brewery under his own name. He then ran it in competition with his cousins’ business, John Smiths. Samuel Smith’s remains independent, the only brewery in Tadcaster to do so.” (wikipedia)

If you’re looking for a great brew, look to Sam Smith just remember that you’ll be paying top dollar for the joy. I try to stick to buying it for myself once or twice a year and usually hand it out for holiday gifts to beer lovers and they pay me back in kind.