Yorkshire, England's oldest brewery, Samuel Smith's, was founded in 1758 and the original well is still in use today. They use very interesting fermentation vessels called 'stone Yorkshire-squares' that are 100% solid slabs of slate and they boast of using the same yeast strain from the nineteenth century. Quite a storied operation, to say the least. Let's see how they've done with this special seasonal.
Behind door #7: Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome Ale, 6% alc., 12 oz. bottle
C: Bright copper with a foamy white head
N: Instantly reminiscent of Newcastle Brown Ale but not as cloyingly sweet -- Malty/Beery opening with clover honey and red berries
P: Sweet with rich malt textures and just hints of spice around the edges
F: Good length with lasting malty sweetness and a general warmth
In conclusion: A really cracking winter ale. Neither too spicy nor sweet nor alcoholic. An easy drinking holiday release that really would be tasty next to a roaring fire (sadly absent given our 75F Xmas eve).