OHanlons Thomas Hardys Ale (vintage 2003 and later)

Brewed by OHanlons
Style: Barley Wine
Whimple, England

Bottle at the White Horse, for "Still here Mr. Selle?" session, at their Old Ale Festival, 28th Nov 08. Sweet yet so dry, smooth and rich - sublime. My drinking partner described it as "like a Pan-Galactic Gargleblaster - it hits you hard but treats you right". Very refined. I’d not done in justice with this rate and will update once the bottle in my cellar ages up a bit more :)

This was a Christmas 2008 ale. This bottle was a 2005 Vintage No. P 18870. The ale poured a ruddy brown with suspended particles. The high alcohol is very evident. As an apertiff this may be excellent. Not sure it is my type of ale.

’04 Bottle. Shared with a frined on New Year’s Eve 2008. Pours cloudy brown with heavy sediment. This was my first experience with this unusual and complex beer. I must say that it was not what I expected. Loaded with an assortment of flavors and aromas that are uncommon in most beers, this one takes some getting used to. Where to start....Heavy carbonation. Malty, fruity and slightly funky. Another rater mentioned fruitcake and I agree. I would also add leather and perhaps a slight note of musty funk. Very interesting. Now that I know, I would not dare open for at least ten more years.

Bottle of 2006 vintage with LDR on New Year’s Day 2009 right at the kitchen table. Beautiful clear amber with some foamy floating trails; no head to speak of. Nose of plum compote above raisins above old leather with a touch of madeira oxidation somewhere just at the edge of perception. After some time light vanilla notes as well. Lovely slick and slightly round mouthfeel; we are well on the wine side of barley wine here. Leathery bitter tannic notes, restrained sweetness and an exquisite alcohol and bittersweet balance makes this a diminutive special I can’t wait to try again in another 12 months. Happy New Year, everyone.

Strong aroma of malt and fruit, alcohol barely noticable. Lots of carbonation, bottle overflows a few seconds after opening(cold). Very strong, sweet dark fruit flavor. Alcohol barely noticeable. Great beer, would be amazing with a few years under it’s belt. Get a pack and let it sit in your cellar

Thanks AgentSteve. Pours dark mahogany, caramel, molasses, dark fruit, slightly bitter finish.

Rating 999 From Schuyler, 05 bottle, pours an attractive dark ruddy brown with a huge creamy smooth tan head. The nose is rich with toffee, molasses, caramel and dried fruit. The flavor is much the same with a bit less sweetness, which is favorable. Clean slight bitter finish.

small nip bottle, 2004 vintage... dark caramel brown pour with the thinnest wispy light brown head... rich, dark fruit and toffee like aromas almost liquer like fruit cake...flavors are essentially in line with the aroma albeit a little more sticky. extremely consistent as a matter of fact. very light on the carbonation front. makes for a nice after dinner appertif.