Samuel Smith's Organic Apricot Fruit Beer

20120903:
I can smell a hint of apricot. There's definitely an apricot taste - it's not overbearing. It tastes more like an apricot soda than an apricot beer.

To clarify, I don't know how an apricot beer actually tastes, but I created an expectation of how one might taste.

Seriously though, this doesn't taste like it has any alcohol in it.

[20120929][20141226 Edit]

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Samuel Smith's Organic Apricot Fruit Beer

Relevant Links:
Organic Apricot Ale (Merchant du Vin Website)
Samuel Smith's Organic Apricot Ale (BeerAdvocate.com)
Samuel Smiths Organic Apricot Ale (RateBeer.com)

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Website Information: (Merchant du Vin)

Samuel Smith
Organic Apricot Ale

Classic rich, ripe apricot aroma and flavor in superb organic ale.

The History of Organic Apricot Ale
Samuel Smith's Organic Fruit Beers are brewed and fermented at Melbourn Bros. Brewery in Stamford; then blended, conditioned and packaged at Samuel Smith's Old Brewery in Tadcaster; they are Certified Organic by the USDA-accredited UK Soil Association.

While there are older breweries in England, it would be safe to say that few are so little changed as this gem at Stamford, which has stood in the center of this beautifully preserved market community since 1825. From the antique grist mill to the ancient copper vessels, Melbourn Bros. remains today, a working brewery which blends the traditions of the ancient craft with that of the early industrial revolution. Closed in the 1970s, restoration with respect for the historical brewing equipment was begun by Samuel Smith's in the 1990s.

Before Samuel Smith's earned organic certification for Melbourn Bros. Brewery in 2008, Apricot Ale was their top-selling beer. The search to find Certified Organic apricots took some time, but Samuel Smith's Organic Apricot Ale was finally introduced to the US in February 2012.

Taste
People have enjoyed apricots since prehistoric times - so long, in fact, that the origin of apricot trees, Prunus armeniaca, is uncertain. Although the scientific name suggests an origin in Armenia some scholars think apricots originated in China. They are now grown around the world where the climate allows.

Apricots contribute to a stunning fruit beer: the ripe, aromatic bouquet supports a sweet, summery flavor with just a suggestion of stone-fruit tartness. Samuel Smith's Organic Apricot Ale is rich and full-bodied; the color is a glowing hazy orange.

Serving Suggestion
Try with curries or Moroccan chicken; rice pilaf; or couscous. A wonderful pairing with fruit salad - whether it contains apricots or not. Try with vanilla ice cream or custard for dessert.

Accolade
Gold Medal - US Open 2012. "Top fruit beer" as announced July 31, 2012. Here is the full list of winners.
"Five out of five mugs" - Modern Brewery Age, March 28, 2012. Here is the complete review as a 47 KB .pdf.

Product Sizes and Quantities
18.7-ounce (550 ml) "Victorian Pint" bottles / 12 bottles per case

Stats
ABV: 5.1% - OG: 1.065 - IBU: 14
Ingredients: Water, organic barley malt, organic wheat malt, organic apricot juice, organic sugar, organic natural apricot aroma, organic hops, yeast.