Old Ale Project – O’Hanlon’s Brewing Co.’s Thomas Hardy’s Ale (#11)

8.5oz bottle decanted into a snifter.  11.7% ABV.  2008 vintage.  Bottle No. T 27791.  Served at cellar temperature. 

Appearance:  Deep crimson red with a thin ring of beige foam.  Brilliantly clear, but sporting a few floaters here and there.  They must have come with the aggressive pour (4/5).

Aroma:  Figs and dates.  Brown sugar and molasses.  A little earthiness and wood, that is followed by a hint of soy sauce.  Very interesting and inviting (4.5/5).

Taste:  Sweet brown sugar, molasses, raisins, figs, and dates up front.  There is an aged mango flavor in the background.  Maybe some vanilla as well.  It also has some port or sherry-like characters.  I suppose the latter is from age (six years at time of consumption).  Overall it is an incredible beer.  I am very lucky to have found a bottle (5/5).

Mouthfeel:  Thick and chewy.  Full body and light carbonation (5/5).

Overall:  There appears to be some debate on whether this beer should be considered an English Barleywine or an Old Ale.  The alcohol is a bit high for an Old Ale, but the flavor profile matches up perfectly to the style guidelines.  Michael Jackson called it an Old Ale, so I guess I’ll go with the expert.  This beer was brewed once a year by Eldridge Pope Co. from 1968 to 1999 to commemorate the death of writer Thomas Hardy.  O’Hanlon’s picked up the brand in 2003 and brewed it through 2008.  The bottle I had was from the last year of O’Hanlon’s ownership.  I absolutely loved it, and want to thank the Brick Store Pub in Decatur, Atlanta for building such an incredible cellar.  It sounds like the brand is trying to be revived again, so I’ll be keeping an eye out for new vintages (4.75/5).

-Matt