Happy Solstice! Today is the Winter Solstice, the official first day of winter (and the shortest day of the year), so I thought what better way to welcome in the season than with a classic ale that—for me, at least—help introduce the concept of the Winter Warmer: Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome.

This seasonal beer is a limited edition brewed for the short days and long nights of winter. The full body resulting from fermentation in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’ and the luxurious malt character, which will appeal to a broad range of drinkers, is balanced against whole-dried Fuggle and Golding hops with nuances and complexities that should be contemplated before an open fire.

The Samuel Smith’s line of beers are imported by Merchant du Vin, who have been importing those plus a wide variety of other styles and beers for many years. The Winter Welcome was added to the lineup in 1990 (25 years ago!) and MdV says:

Winter Welcome is vintage-dated with a special label each year, and was first shipped to the US in 1990 – it was the first imported winter seasonal beer. Serve in a traditional Sam Smith tulip or nonik glass for the holidays.

Welcome to winter! Cheers!

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