OHanlons Royal Oak

Poured wonderful clear reddish-gold with really big snow-white head that faded fairly quick but left exceptional lacing. Aromas were bread, malt, straw, and herbs. Taste was moderately sweet but well balanced with a malty fulness and a truck lad of bitter herbal hops. No fruitiness here, this ale is all grain and hops. Mouthfeel is just right. An excellent ale. A bit filling for a session beer, nonetheless it definitely a must-try.

an English bitter that reminds me of the fullness of Belgian trappists, not as heavy, but a good compromise

Tons of raisins and alittle alcohol in the aroma. A fluffy long-lasting head. The flavor is definitely English, with the fuinky malts and hops, yet it’s grainy dry and pretty tasty overall. The best OHanlons I’ve had, and perhaps the highest I’ve rated a beer of this style.

Hazy, orange with no head. Hoppy aroma with notes of fruit, licorice, choclate, roasted malt and spices. Fruity flavor with notes of anice, english hops, chocolate, malt and spices. Dry finish.

Hazy reddish amber with some sediment. Large off-white head. Subtle and intriguing aroma: spicy and sweet with some fruit, perhaps melon or gooseberry. Taste malty but a delightful fresh raspberry sourness as well. Plenty of bitterness makes this an outstanding bottle-conditioned English ale.

Page 156 of Michael Jackson’s Great Beer guide. A very fruity, flowery beer with an great English hop finish. Romantically this is the way I thought all the bitters would be when I came to England but sadly they weren’t. Only 175 of MJ’s Classic 500 Brews to go.

Bottle conditioned. Clear darkish brown colour with a slim off-white head. Aroma is malty and big floral hops plus some citrus fruit in the background. Nice mix of malt, hops and fruit in the taste. Medium bodied, lively mouthfeel. Well balanced and interesting. Very good.

Tasted 26/04/2007. 500ml bottle from Rumble’s, Wellington. Pours an almost bright Doc Marten Cherry Red, with a very light tan airy head. Delightfully fruity nose: raisiny port notes mingle with a sweet whiff of lemonade. A hint of caramel, especially in the empty glass. Very soft in the mouth, and quite light, with just a touch of barley sweetness, more fruity esters and a toasty dry finish. Oaky notes linger on the palate, and I’m not pulling your leg here! Bitterness is very subdued, hop flavour almost non-existent besides a mild peppery spice. This one has really stood up to the travel and the shelf time. Excellent ESB, with all the complexity of a good single malt whisky. It really makes me want to have another look at their Port Stout.