Thomas Hardy's Ale Golden Edition Gift Box

Thomas Hardy’s Ale Golden Edition Gift Box (2018) 1 33 cl ale, 1 33 cl balloon glass

Brewed by: Meantime Brewing Company
Country: England

Style: English Barley Wine

Color: Amber

ABV:  13.7%
BeerAdvocate.com rating: 91

Thomas Hardy’s Ale is a Barley Wine that is amber colored with bronze glints. On the nose, straight away the bouquet has impact, intensity and complexity with notes of both candied and alcohol-soaked fruit, dried figs, fresh tobacco and chocolate, while a caramel sensation is perceived but remains in the background. In the mouth, the initial sensation is of incredible density and softness, a silky warmth accompanying memories of bitter orange marmalade, dried fruit and chestnut honey. The finale provides a refreshing, slightly sharp hint that adds harmony and balance. The malts used are Warminster Marris Otter and Light Crystal. The hops are Fuggle and Golding. There are top fermenting yeasts.

Thomas Hardy’s Ale gets better with time. Store away from light and heat sources for at least 12 months after bottling before tasting. To be enjoyed at around 13 degrees Celsius (55 Fahrenheit) after allowing oxygenation in a large balloon glass. It is bottle-conditioned and matures like fine wines.

Food Pairings:

Blue cheese, dark chocolate, Cuban Cigars

Brewery Information:

Thomas Hardy’s Ale was created in 1968 to commemorate the renowned English writer. It is a limited-edition barley wine that is numbered and vintage dated to be stored for years (even over 25 years, according to those who have made it in the past). This legendary beer is back in production and is a piece of English history meant to be shared with the world.

Meantime Brewing started in 1999 in a Greenwich flat by Alistair Hook. Though they have outgrown Alistair’s flat they still spend every available minute and second producing the most game-changing brews they can.