Ordered this for the first time about a month ago. I was pretty impressed, and I usually don't drink brown ales. Samuel Smith is a great brewery, I like almost everything they put out (minus the fruit ales). Even their Organic Cider is amazing.
I bought beer based on a "holy **** this beer is good" thread last week. disappointed
That's because a lot of beers that are considered really good have really strong flavor characteristics that don't appeal to the first time beer drinker.