John Smith's Extra Smooth Ale is a popular English beer that has gained a reputation as a right good pint. Characterised by its distinct cereal flavour, with malty, caramel notes and a hint of bitterness, this beer has become the nation's number one ale since its launch in 1993. While it is widely available in the UK, its availability in the US is less consistent. Some sources suggest that it can be purchased in the US via specialist importers or on-demand delivery services, while others indicate that it is not regularly stocked by American retailers.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
ABV | 3.4% to 3.8% |
Calories | ~120 |
Origin | Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, England |
Distributor | Heineken |
Availability | Limited |
Online Retailers | Amazon UK, BeerMenus, McGrocer, unitedstatesbeverage.com |
What You'll Learn
John Smith's beer in the US: confirmed locations
John Smith's Extra Smooth Ale is now available in the US. It was launched in 1993 and is the number one ale in the UK. It is described as having a distinct cereal character, with malty, caramel notes and a hint of fruitiness.
Where to Buy
You can find John Smith's Beer near you in the US by checking the website unitedstatesbeverage.com. It is also available in the Twin Cities, MN, and can be purchased online through the website McGrocer, which ships internationally.
Similar Beers
If you are unable to find John Smith's Beer, there are some similar beers that you can try. These include:
- London Pride (Fuller's Griffin Brewery)
- Doom Bar (Sharp's Brewery)
- Southwold Bitter (Adnams)
These beers are described as "bitters," which is a type of ale typically found in the UK. They may have a lighter version, such as a "session" IPA, which has a lower ABV.
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Importing John Smith's beer to the US
John Smith's Extra Smooth Ale is a popular English beer with a distinct cereal character and malty, caramel notes complemented by some fruitiness. While it is widely available in the UK, it can be more challenging to find in the United States. However, with a bit of effort, it is possible to import it for personal consumption in the US. Here is a guide to help you through the process:
Finding John Smith's Beer in the US
Before importing, it is worth checking if John Smith's Beer is available locally in the US. Online tools such as unitedstatesbeverage.com can help locate the beer in your area. Some distributors and liquor stores may also be able to provide information on the availability of John Smith's Beer in your region.
Importing for Personal Use
If John Smith's Beer is not available in your area, you can consider importing it for personal use. In this case, you will need to find a reputable company that ships the beer to the US and ensure you meet the legal requirements.
One option mentioned by an online user is McGrocer, which offers international shipping to the US. To use such services, you will typically need to provide a valid ID to prove that you are of legal age to purchase alcohol in the US. The cost of shipping can be high, with one user reporting a cost of £91.36 to ship a case of 18 cans from the UK to the US.
Legal Requirements for Importing Alcohol
When importing alcohol into the US for personal use, it is essential to be aware of any applicable laws and regulations. You may need to obtain permits or documents, depending on the quantity and type of alcohol being imported. It is always best to consult official government sources or a legal professional for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Alternative Beers
If the cost or legal requirements of importing John Smith's Beer are prohibitive, you may want to consider alternative beers that are more readily available in the US. Similar beers in style or taste can be found at local breweries or liquor stores. Some suggested alternatives include London Pride (Fuller's Griffin Brewery), Doom Bar (Sharp's brewery), and Southwold Bitter (Adnams). These beers may provide a similar experience without the hassle of importing.
In conclusion, while importing John Smith's Beer to the US may require some effort and expense, it is possible to obtain this popular English ale for personal consumption. With a bit of research and planning, you can enjoy the unique taste of John Smith's Extra Smooth Ale in the United States.
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Substitutes for John Smith's beer in the US
John Smith's is a popular beer in the United Kingdom, but it may not be available in the United States. While some people have reported being able to find it in certain areas, others have had difficulty locating it. If you're looking for substitutes for John Smith's beer in the US, here are some options to consider:
Similar Beers
If you're specifically looking for beers with a similar taste to John Smith's, there are a few options that have been recommended by beer enthusiasts online. These include:
- London Pride (Fuller's Griffin Brewery)
- Doom Bar (Sharp's Brewery)
- Southwold Bitter (Adnams)
These beers are described as having a similar style to John Smith's, which is considered a "bitter - session / ordinary" beer. They may be easier to find in the US and could provide a comparable taste experience.
Other British Beers
If you're open to exploring other British beers that may be available in the US, here are some options that have been mentioned by people online:
- Samuel Smith
- Crabbie's
- Belhaven Scottish Ale/Belhaven Black Stout
- Tetley's
- FORGD Stout
These beers may not taste exactly like John Smith's, but they can provide a taste of Britain and are worth exploring if you're looking for alternatives.
Local Beers
If you're interested in discovering new beers, you can also explore local breweries or liquor stores for "bitter" style beers. There has been a resurgence in European-style beers, so you may be able to find something similar to John Smith's that is produced locally in the US.
Homebrewing
If you're feeling adventurous and want to try brewing your own beer, there are homebrewing kits available that can help you create a similar taste to John Smith's. Keep in mind that replicating the exact taste may be challenging, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you can get close. Some recommended kits include:
- Young's Harvest Yorkshire Bitter
- Coopers English Heritage Bitter
These kits can provide a good starting point for creating a middle-of-the-road beer that won't offend most taste buds.
In summary, while John Smith's beer may be challenging to find in the US, there are several substitutes and alternatives available. By exploring similar beers, other British imports, local brews, or even trying your hand at homebrewing, you can discover new tastes and perhaps find a new favourite.
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John Smith's Extra Smooth Ale: reviews
John Smith's Extra Smooth Ale is a beer with a distinct cereal character, featuring malty, caramel notes complemented by some fruitiness. Launched in 1993, it has since become the UK's number 1 ale.
One reviewer describes it as "creamy in a Boddington's sort of way, but amber in colour and the cleanest finish I can recall having". They go on to say that it is "pretty fantastic". Another reviewer agrees that it is "a right good pint".
However, not all reviews are positive. One person describes it as "the most flavourless beer I tried in the UK by far", and another says it is "weak". One commenter suggests that it is a beer to be enjoyed "when you're not actually out drinking properly", such as "in the morning when on holiday/vacation and feeling a bit carefree on the drinking timeframe".
In the United States, John Smith's Extra Smooth Ale can be purchased on the website unitedstatesbeverage.com, or through the site McGrocer, which ships to the US via UPS.
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John Smith's beer: a history
John Smith's Brewery was founded in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, England, in 1758. The brewery was acquired by John Smith in 1852, and following a series of acquisitions in the post-World War II period, it became one of the largest regional brewers in the country, operating over 1,800 licensed premises.
In 1970, John Smith's was taken over by Courage, which extended the distribution of the brewery's products into the south of England. As a result of the takeover, John Smith's bottled Magnet Pale Ale was distributed nationwide, and Courage brands such as Tavern Keg saw wider distribution. The Tadcaster brewery was redeveloped and expanded throughout 1974, and in 1979, John Smith's Bitter was distributed in the south of England, accompanied by an extensive marketing budget. By 1982, it was the highest-selling Courage brand and the highest-selling canned bitter in the United Kingdom.
In 1993, John Smith's Extra Smooth was launched in cans, followed by kegs in 1995. It is now the nation's number one ale. The majority of John Smith's sales are of the nitrogenated Extra Smooth product, although a cask-conditioned variant is available nationally. John Smith's Extra Smooth and Original are produced at the Tadcaster brewery, along with a range of Heineken products, including Amstel and Kronenbourg 1664.
John Smith's is well known for its highly successful "No Nonsense"-themed television advertising campaigns, featuring comedians such as Jack Dee and Peter Kay. The brand is also associated with horse racing, having sponsored events such as the Grand National, the Northumberland Plate, and the John Smith's Cup.
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Frequently asked questions
John Smith's beer is available in the USA, with one source citing its availability in the Twin Cities, MN. You can use the website unitedstatesbeverage.com to find it locally.
John Smith's beer is not sold in New Jersey, USA.
You can import John Smith's beer into the USA by ordering it from a UK-based website like McGrocer. All you need to do is provide a picture of your ID to prove that you are of legal drinking age in the USA.
Yes, there are a few substitutes for John Smith's beer that are available in the USA. These include London Pride (Fuller's Griffin Brewery), Doom Bar (Sharp's brewery), and Southwold Bitter (Adnams).