Ushers Bishops Tipple

Formerly brewed at Thomas Hardy (Burtonwood)
Style: English Strong Ale
Burtonwood, England

Ushers makes this now? Damn English brewing consolidation, hard for us over here to keep track of this stuff. Anyway, great malty old ale - robust, good development of earthy, lightly chewy malt flavours.

Whisky-coloured. Fullbodied and salmiac-bitter. Good stuff!

Heavy, real heavy, but not as perfect as Ushers Tawny. Rich fruitiness and a wide palate of bitterness.

Poured from the bottle, a light brown with a medium frothy head which disappeared. A very malty aroma, slightly spicy. A fruity malty taste, with a good bitterness in the mouth.

This might rank as the oldest bottle I've sampled - best before Aug. 1983 - which if it adheres to what I've been told means that it's from 1983 and was brewed by Gibbs Mew. Was somewhat hesitant as no strength was listed and I had no idea if it had been properly stored. Well, not to worry. I do think it might have gone just a tad past its prime, but still was quite good. Winelike, fruity nose. Near still, no head. Currants and caramel and a cola like quality (Dr. Pepper for those that know - stewed prune cola for those that don't) Hadn't noticed until pouring the remaining little bit (label & fiol obscured all) that there was quite a bit of dark residue atthe bottom, changing the taste slightly and adding a bit of cocoa to the mix. Thanks to SilkTork for passing this on (and Doug for toting it back)

Medium head upon pouring with a full body.Quite hoppy with a pleasant flowery aftertaste.For some reason it reminded me of several Shepherd Neame brews.

Sept, 2002:Bottle - brewed in Dorchester. This beer has undergone some changes over the years. It used to be brewed by Gibbs Mew, then by Badger Brewery for Gibbs Mew. Then by Ushers. Now by Thomas Hardy of Dorchester for Refresh UK (ex-Ushers management). The Bishop’s Tipple is now 5.5%, and, although it does still have some of the qualities of a weak barley wine, it is nowhere near as sweet or thick, and is much more hoppy. In fact, the balance between hops and malt is well judged and manages to bring forth a range of flavours. The taste is more like a strong ale - a more robust Old Speckled Hen perhaps. I found this quite delightful. [3.3]
Nov, 2004: Bottle. Now brewed at Burtonwood. Burnt and smoky toffee. Lacks life and character due to the filtering treatment, but the very pleasant taste makes up for many faults. I do like a sweet beer. A solid and enjoyable and fun ale. [3.5]