Thomas Hardy's Ale - 2007

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 2007 release which I had at the Memphis Tap Room in February of 2011.  The Beer Advocate Brothers were in town for a small bar hopping tour.

The 2007 is still a very young ale, needs to age for another 10 years.   See my blog for the 1994 version of this brew.


The ABV is 11.7 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Old Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 8.5oz Bottle

Should be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions. Ah Men.

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with some head. No lacing but a clear coat on the glass.
Aroma - Mostly raisins and malty.
Taste -  The dark fruit, mostly raisins. Like a sherry or port.
Mouth Feel - Big and bold!  No carbonation, very smooth no burn from the alcohol.
Drinkable - Very drinkable but a sipper.  

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