Scarce, subtle and complex, Thomas Hardy’s Ale is the beer enthusiast’s equivalent of rare cognac. Bottle-conditioned to mature in the bottle like fine wine, this old ale/barley wine will improve with age for at least 26 years (and we’re still counting!). Not for the faint of palate, especially when young and brash, maturity brings an elegance of flavors unmatched by any other beer—if you have the patience to cellar it for at least a decade.This blog is for the 1994 release which I had at Monk's Cafe' in February of 2011 (that's right a 17 year old beer!). I will not say how much I paid for it....
Compared with J.W. Lees '97, '98, '99 and 2000 the Hardy's 1994 takes the cake. The extra five or so years makes a huge difference in a good way. It was worth every penny!
The ABV is 11.7 (15.0) and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Old Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 330ml Bottle
Should be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions. Ah Men.
The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with no head as expected. No lacing but a clear coat on the glass.
Aroma - Lots of dark fruit here, mostly raisins.
Taste - Up front I get dark fruits, figs, cherries, mostly raisins, then caramel. Very much like a aged wine or sherry. Hints of a bitter chocolate after taste which was unexpected.
Mouth Feel - Big and bold! No carbonation, very smooth no burn from the alcohol.
Drinkable - Very drinkable but a sipper. Don't know the alcohol content due to aging, my guess is 15%.
This beer may pair well with cheese but just enjoy it without food.
This beer gets a Duper rating of A+.
BeerAdvocate Rating =A
Ratebeer Rating = 99
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