Sam’s Brown Ale Alcohol-Free Review – A Malty Surprise from Samuel Smith’s

Looking for a traditional British ale without the alcohol? Sam’s Brown Ale – Alcohol Free from Samuel Smith’s Brewery might just surprise you. Launched in late 2023 or early 2024, this is the brewery’s first foray into the alcohol-free beer market and it’s made an impressive entrance.

About Samuel Smiths Brewery

Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery, founded in 1758 in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, is the oldest brewery in the county and a true icon of traditional British brewing. Still family-owned and fiercely independent, the brewery is known for preserving historic methods, including fermenting beer in open-topped Yorkshire stone squares and drawing water from its original well.

Samuel Smith’s produces a classic range of ales, stouts, porters, and lagers many of which are vegan and organic. You’ll often find their beers served from oak casks in pubs that are refreshingly old-school: no music, no TVs, and no mobile phones. It’s all about the beer, the conversation, and a sense of timeless quality.

Sam’s Brown Ale (Alcohol Free): Brewery Description

“A superior alcohol free ale, less than 0.5% ABV, dark brown in colour with mahogany highlights and a lingering tight ecru head. The nose is malt forward and the beer is dry and satisfying. The dry malty character is an excellent complement to spicy food.”— Samuel Smith’s Brewery

My Review: First Sip Impressions 

Aroma

Pleasantly lively with a gentle hop note up front, supported by a strong malty base and a whisper of coffee.

Appearance

Pours forming a lovely head, the beer itself having a beautiful rich dark reddish colour

Taste & Mouthfeel

This one impressed me. It’s layered with malt complexity notes of coffee, dried fruit, and toasted grain. The texture is smooth and satisfying, coating the tongue without feeling heavy or syrupy.

I’ve been to a fair few Samuel Smith’s pubs over the years. While I’ve always appreciated the atmosphere, I’ve sometimes felt let down by the beer though in fairness, I used to be more of a lager drinker. That’s slowly changing, and Sam’s Brown Ale (Alcohol Free) is helping make the transition easier.

It’s genuinely enjoyable. Complex, malty, and balanced. Honestly, if I hadn’t known, I’d have struggled to tell it was alcohol-free.

This one’s a keeper and I’ll definitely be revisiting Sam Smith’s pubs with a more open mind (and palate) from now on.

Share your thoughts in the comments — and check out more alcohol-free beer reviews at ModestDrinker.com!