Known as one of the last remaining independent breweries in England, Samuel Smith has been producing ales and lagers since 1758, and initially debuted in the U.S. back in 1978. This historic English brewery has produced some quality beers for an incredibly long time, including oatmeal stouts, pale lagers, and brown ales, all of which are of the vegan variety. On the docket this time is their flagship Pure Brewed Lager, a classic representation of a style which has been around for ages.
Poured from a cold 355mL bottle, the beer produces a clear straw yellow color with plenty of bubbly carbonation. A frothy, white head builds up, retaining a nice solid layer of film across the beer, with traces of lacing left behind while drinking. The nose is bright, with some light, grassy hops in the nose, alongside toasted biscuit, straw, and a touch of citrus.
The flavors are smooth and on the softer side, beginning with dry, mildly bitter hops, as well as some lemongrass and citrus zest. Light bready qualities give the flavor more body, along with some toasted notes. The Pure Brewed Lager finishes crisp, clear, and refreshing without lingering for long.
With a lighter to medium body and decent carbonation, the profile is pleasing throughout. A smooth feel combined with solid flavor makes this a pretty easy drinker, although some might be looking for something slightly bolder in their beers. Also, the price tag is hefty for what people receive in return, coming in at about $10 per four pack.
This, along with most Samuel Smith beers are readily available in most stores around New Jersey, although chances are you could easily locate something better for the same (or even a lower) price. However, if you're craving a true English lager, Samuel Smith is tough to beat in their authenticity and decent execution.
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