Old Crafty Hen | Greene King / Morland Brewery
Brewed by:
Greene King / Morland Brewery
United Kingdom (England) | website
Style: English Strong Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 6.50%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
A strong fine ale combines the malty taste with a smooth raisin finish.
Challenger provides a key herbal dry hop character, First Gold and Goldings give some citrus fruit and crystal malt provides warming toffee in the main beer of this blended ale. The use of some old 5X 12% ale adds dried fruit and raisin and produces a complex flavoured and richly satisfying ale. The tradition of brewing a Strong Suffolk Ale and maturing in Oak Vats is one that unlike other UK brewers, GK have continued - the practice is mentioned in 1810 in connection with GK.
Added by GreenCard on 10-17-2008
Reviews: 83 | Ratings: 258
3.93/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Thoroughly enjoyed via the bottle in a snifter from a friend at work---Thanks Randy!
This fine brew pours a clear mahogany with a reddish tinge and a light head of white foam that settles
to a thick ring, thin pool, and light lacing. Nose of caramel, toffee, figs, dates, and cherries with a touch
of booze. Flavors exceed the nose with toffee and cherries hitting on the front and sides, lightly warming booze
hits on the middle to rear, and a subtle grassy hop note takes hold on the back and aftertaste giving rounded
character. Very nice mouth feel, coating and warming with a dried fruit note on the aftertaste. Very nice for the
style. Glad to have tried this one.
Cheers
★ 684 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Thoroughly enjoyed via the bottle in a snifter from a friend at work---Thanks Randy!
This fine brew pours a clear mahogany with a reddish tinge and a light head of white foam that settles
to a thick ring, thin pool, and light lacing. Nose of caramel, toffee, figs, dates, and cherries with a touch
of booze. Flavors exceed the nose with toffee and cherries hitting on the front and sides, lightly warming booze
hits on the middle to rear, and a subtle grassy hop note takes hold on the back and aftertaste giving rounded
character. Very nice mouth feel, coating and warming with a dried fruit note on the aftertaste. Very nice for the
style. Glad to have tried this one.
Cheers
★ 684 characters
3.59/5 rDev -5.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
I've had Old Speckled Hen, so I was expecting something like that only "more." My expectations were answered "yes" and "no."
It is dark amber, beautifully clear with a one finger head after a gentle pour. It smells like leather and wood. The first word out of my mouth at that initial sip was "apples." To me it has a ghostly cider taste that, after it warms to more than refrigerator temperature, evolves to add malty, grassy (English hops?), citrus and apple skin/raisin notes. English ales have been confusing to me so far (bitters that aren't bitter, appellations like "extra fine" and "extra special"), but I generally enjoy their balance and flavor, and this one is no different.
★ 691 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
I've had Old Speckled Hen, so I was expecting something like that only "more." My expectations were answered "yes" and "no."
It is dark amber, beautifully clear with a one finger head after a gentle pour. It smells like leather and wood. The first word out of my mouth at that initial sip was "apples." To me it has a ghostly cider taste that, after it warms to more than refrigerator temperature, evolves to add malty, grassy (English hops?), citrus and apple skin/raisin notes. English ales have been confusing to me so far (bitters that aren't bitter, appellations like "extra fine" and "extra special"), but I generally enjoy their balance and flavor, and this one is no different.
★ 691 characters
3.89/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
The beer comes in a medium to deep amber, ruby and clear.
The aroma offers toasty malts, rich bready sweetness, nutty malts, a bit of butterscotch and low amounts of diacetyl, fruity British ale yeast offering cooked apple and raisin, woody hops.
The flavor follows with butterscotch candy, with that lingering slick buttery flavor complemented, fruity ale esters of shriveled apple peel, dried cherry, chewy bready malts, crusty toasted stale bread, nutty malts, onto earthy and woody hops that balance the beer more the butterscotch and malts overwhelm. The finish has a bit of tannins and medium bitterness to finish out the experience.
★ 641 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
The beer comes in a medium to deep amber, ruby and clear.
The aroma offers toasty malts, rich bready sweetness, nutty malts, a bit of butterscotch and low amounts of diacetyl, fruity British ale yeast offering cooked apple and raisin, woody hops.
The flavor follows with butterscotch candy, with that lingering slick buttery flavor complemented, fruity ale esters of shriveled apple peel, dried cherry, chewy bready malts, crusty toasted stale bread, nutty malts, onto earthy and woody hops that balance the beer more the butterscotch and malts overwhelm. The finish has a bit of tannins and medium bitterness to finish out the experience.
★ 641 characters
3.43/5 rDev -9.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Pours deep orange/amber with silky/creamy head. Head stays with the drink and coats the glass. Taste of toffee with some bitterness. Some of the oak barrel comes through in the flavor. Different from the usual English bitter....
★ 228 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Pours deep orange/amber with silky/creamy head. Head stays with the drink and coats the glass. Taste of toffee with some bitterness. Some of the oak barrel comes through in the flavor. Different from the usual English bitter....
★ 228 characters
4.1/5 rDev +8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Pours a nice raw umber/sienna color with a frothy head that faded away after a moment.
S: The aroma is not overpowering. Soft notes of caramel malts and some earthy characteristics.
T: Beautiful flavors of sweet caramel, dried fruit, and hints of tobacco.
M: Feel is soft and smooth. Carbonation is good. Medium body.
O: A tasty brew from the UK that does not remind me at all of other old ales that I've tried. Maybe closer to an English Strong ale. Recommended.
★ 471 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Pours a nice raw umber/sienna color with a frothy head that faded away after a moment.
S: The aroma is not overpowering. Soft notes of caramel malts and some earthy characteristics.
T: Beautiful flavors of sweet caramel, dried fruit, and hints of tobacco.
M: Feel is soft and smooth. Carbonation is good. Medium body.
O: A tasty brew from the UK that does not remind me at all of other old ales that I've tried. Maybe closer to an English Strong ale. Recommended.
★ 471 characters
3.62/5 rDev -4.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Nice copper color with a thick beige head with medium retention and leaving some laces.
Aroma with notes of English hops, toffee, mild ginger, fresh tea leaves, pear and white grapes.
Flavor with notes of English hops, a bit of licorice and plums, distant oak, minerals, ginger, toffee, nuts, butterscotch, grapes, apple juice and vanilla. Dry aftertaste with a mild bitterness.
Light bordering medium body with appropriate carbonation. Alcohol of 6.5% is not felt.
Tasty Old Ale, a bit less intense than other exemplars, but still it tires a bit. Though the style is rather broad with different blending.
★ 605 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Nice copper color with a thick beige head with medium retention and leaving some laces.
Aroma with notes of English hops, toffee, mild ginger, fresh tea leaves, pear and white grapes.
Flavor with notes of English hops, a bit of licorice and plums, distant oak, minerals, ginger, toffee, nuts, butterscotch, grapes, apple juice and vanilla. Dry aftertaste with a mild bitterness.
Light bordering medium body with appropriate carbonation. Alcohol of 6.5% is not felt.
Tasty Old Ale, a bit less intense than other exemplars, but still it tires a bit. Though the style is rather broad with different blending.
★ 605 characters
2.6/5 rDev -31.4%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 2.75
Poured nice and smooth without a lot of concern for too much head. About 1/2" with light lacing. Smell was dark fruity...fig/raisin like. Taste was not far off from prune juice with an alcohol burn at the end. Mouthfeel was great and light. Was hoping for a better taste from a barrel aged ale.
★ 294 characters
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 2.75
Poured nice and smooth without a lot of concern for too much head. About 1/2" with light lacing. Smell was dark fruity...fig/raisin like. Taste was not far off from prune juice with an alcohol burn at the end. Mouthfeel was great and light. Was hoping for a better taste from a barrel aged ale.
★ 294 characters
4.25/5 rDev +12.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Aroma: Light fruity esters, herbal, earthy hops, malty sweetness. Appearance: brilliant copper brown, ½” off-white head dissipates to a film but provides delicate lacing. Flavor: Moderate high British hops supported by the malt backbone. The British hops are features and the malt and hop flavors work well together through the finish and into the after taste. The malts suggest nutty, toffee and come out and become more apparent as the beer warms. Mouthfeel: medium low body and carbonation, medium warming, clean. Overall Impression: This does not have the hick chewiness and complex fruity esters that you often associate with old ales but the finely tuned balance between the hops and the malt make up for the lack of dark dried fruit, sherry like qualities.
★ 767 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Aroma: Light fruity esters, herbal, earthy hops, malty sweetness. Appearance: brilliant copper brown, ½” off-white head dissipates to a film but provides delicate lacing. Flavor: Moderate high British hops supported by the malt backbone. The British hops are features and the malt and hop flavors work well together through the finish and into the after taste. The malts suggest nutty, toffee and come out and become more apparent as the beer warms. Mouthfeel: medium low body and carbonation, medium warming, clean. Overall Impression: This does not have the hick chewiness and complex fruity esters that you often associate with old ales but the finely tuned balance between the hops and the malt make up for the lack of dark dried fruit, sherry like qualities.
★ 767 characters
3.75/5 rDev -1.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours a clear, dark copper color. 1/4 inch head of an off-white color. Good retention and great lacing. Smells of sweet malt, alcohol, hint of roasted malt, and slight yeast. Fits the style of an Old Ale. Mouth feel is sharp and clean, with an average carbonation level. Tastes of yeast, alcohol, sweet malt, and a hint of roasted malt. Overall, good appearance, decent aroma and body, but low complexity.
★ 412 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours a clear, dark copper color. 1/4 inch head of an off-white color. Good retention and great lacing. Smells of sweet malt, alcohol, hint of roasted malt, and slight yeast. Fits the style of an Old Ale. Mouth feel is sharp and clean, with an average carbonation level. Tastes of yeast, alcohol, sweet malt, and a hint of roasted malt. Overall, good appearance, decent aroma and body, but low complexity.
★ 412 characters
4.03/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Greene King "Old Crafty Hen"
500 ml. clear glass bottle, coded "MAR2016 T2 15070 01:17"
£2 @ Tesco Metro, Clayton Square, Liverpool, UK
Not really knowing what to expect from this beer, the first sip brought me back to the flavor of the "Old Speckled Hen" in its yeast character. It's fruity like a dark-skinned fruit (raisin at the least), somewhat mineralish, and even a bit earthy. It's a bit hard to tell exactly what's coming from where, however, as there's also a bit of woodiness to it that could be from yeast, hops, malt, or the oak. It's malty and honeyish, and stronger than usual, and the alcohol might be lending to some of its character but it doesn't stand out distinctly. It's also caramelish and a bit toffee-like, but again, perhaps the oak is adding to it helping to suggest toffee or nuttiness. Overall, not being familiar with the larger beer that goes into it, I'm not sure how much the oak is adding to it except to say that it's not over-done. Nor is it under-done. It's a pleasant and interesting beer that satisfies although I doubt I'd have more than one in a session.
★ 1,097 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Greene King "Old Crafty Hen"
500 ml. clear glass bottle, coded "MAR2016 T2 15070 01:17"
£2 @ Tesco Metro, Clayton Square, Liverpool, UK
Not really knowing what to expect from this beer, the first sip brought me back to the flavor of the "Old Speckled Hen" in its yeast character. It's fruity like a dark-skinned fruit (raisin at the least), somewhat mineralish, and even a bit earthy. It's a bit hard to tell exactly what's coming from where, however, as there's also a bit of woodiness to it that could be from yeast, hops, malt, or the oak. It's malty and honeyish, and stronger than usual, and the alcohol might be lending to some of its character but it doesn't stand out distinctly. It's also caramelish and a bit toffee-like, but again, perhaps the oak is adding to it helping to suggest toffee or nuttiness. Overall, not being familiar with the larger beer that goes into it, I'm not sure how much the oak is adding to it except to say that it's not over-done. Nor is it under-done. It's a pleasant and interesting beer that satisfies although I doubt I'd have more than one in a session.
★ 1,097 characters
3.7/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
From the clear bottle stamped 13235 but I don't know what that entails. Sampled on March 11, 2015.
Handsome looking copper, maple color pour with a lingering off-white head. Great clarity.
English malts on the nose with a hint of raisins, grass and vegetable oil. Not too badly skunked for a clear bottle.
Medium body. Smooth.
The taste is malt forward with an assertive but clean bitterness to finish. Better than their flagship Old Speckled Hen.
★ 453 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
From the clear bottle stamped 13235 but I don't know what that entails. Sampled on March 11, 2015.
Handsome looking copper, maple color pour with a lingering off-white head. Great clarity.
English malts on the nose with a hint of raisins, grass and vegetable oil. Not too badly skunked for a clear bottle.
Medium body. Smooth.
The taste is malt forward with an assertive but clean bitterness to finish. Better than their flagship Old Speckled Hen.
★ 453 characters
4.07/5 rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Reddish amber colour. Decent head and lacing.
Aroma is mild. Sweet and syrupy smelling with a hint of booze.
The taste is very malty. There is a significant nutty flavour. There are hints of raisins and dried fruit. The taste is well balanced as some earthy hop bitterness cuts through the sweetness.
Overall a very well rounded and balanced beer. Highly drinkable and subtly tasty and even complex with various sweet flavours intermingling. Recommended as a winter warmer when not craving hops.
83/100
★ 507 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Reddish amber colour. Decent head and lacing.
Aroma is mild. Sweet and syrupy smelling with a hint of booze.
The taste is very malty. There is a significant nutty flavour. There are hints of raisins and dried fruit. The taste is well balanced as some earthy hop bitterness cuts through the sweetness.
Overall a very well rounded and balanced beer. Highly drinkable and subtly tasty and even complex with various sweet flavours intermingling. Recommended as a winter warmer when not craving hops.
83/100
★ 507 characters
4.58/5 rDev +20.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Look: fantastic mahogany colour, thick head that disappears quite fast.
Smell: malty, faint but pleasant.
Taste: here this beer really shine, full very round deep malty taste, in the aftertaste you can really feel the aging, almost wine-like.
Feel: smooth, very pleasant.
Overall: one of the best beers I've ever tried.
★ 323 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Look: fantastic mahogany colour, thick head that disappears quite fast.
Smell: malty, faint but pleasant.
Taste: here this beer really shine, full very round deep malty taste, in the aftertaste you can really feel the aging, almost wine-like.
Feel: smooth, very pleasant.
Overall: one of the best beers I've ever tried.
★ 323 characters
4.06/5 rDev +7.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A 500ml Euro-bomber poured into a Nonic/Imperial pint glass (exactly the way it deserves to be served). Great looking bottle/label!
Appearance - A dark copper color. Very good clarity. Big head that settles down after a while. Weak lacing.
Smell - A mild malt nose.
Taste - Subdued malt flavor. Slightly bitter (black licorice). Slightly nutty. Slightly sweet. Mild hop hit finish. Smooth but with a bit of an edge.
Mouth - Fine carbonation. A touch oily. Nice.
Overall - A fine English ale. Balanced. Sophisticated. Also, this beer does a fine job of hiding the 6.5% abv. My only knock on this beer is that it might be a little too subtle for its own good.
★ 666 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A 500ml Euro-bomber poured into a Nonic/Imperial pint glass (exactly the way it deserves to be served). Great looking bottle/label!
Appearance - A dark copper color. Very good clarity. Big head that settles down after a while. Weak lacing.
Smell - A mild malt nose.
Taste - Subdued malt flavor. Slightly bitter (black licorice). Slightly nutty. Slightly sweet. Mild hop hit finish. Smooth but with a bit of an edge.
Mouth - Fine carbonation. A touch oily. Nice.
Overall - A fine English ale. Balanced. Sophisticated. Also, this beer does a fine job of hiding the 6.5% abv. My only knock on this beer is that it might be a little too subtle for its own good.
★ 666 characters
3.58/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours a copper-amber with short but dense head. Smell is malt and the typical fuggles/EKG wet cardboard hops. Taste is a tad sweet, but has malt and a touch of hops to balance it out, although it feels a bit off on the balance and mouthfeel to me. Funk on the finish, which would seem out of place if it wasn't an old ale oak-aged blend. Overall, pretty good, but not great. Would be worth a side-by-side with Old Peculiar and Olde Suffolk to compare apples to apples.
★ 473 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours a copper-amber with short but dense head. Smell is malt and the typical fuggles/EKG wet cardboard hops. Taste is a tad sweet, but has malt and a touch of hops to balance it out, although it feels a bit off on the balance and mouthfeel to me. Funk on the finish, which would seem out of place if it wasn't an old ale oak-aged blend. Overall, pretty good, but not great. Would be worth a side-by-side with Old Peculiar and Olde Suffolk to compare apples to apples.
★ 473 characters
3.9/5 rDev +2.9%
A: Pours a dark shade of Golden Amber, the color of whiskey. Had a white frothy head that quickly died down, little lacing.
S: Smells malty, caramel, and a little skunk.
T: Slightly sweet malt, and caramel, very modest on the hops, some oak/ woody characteristics. Not too complex, but pleasant.
M: Medium body, modestly carbonated, slightly sticky.
O: I did not have the highest expectations for this beer, so it pleasantly surprised me. Fairly priced, a decent introduction to the style for those just getting into craft beers.
★ 543 characters
A: Pours a dark shade of Golden Amber, the color of whiskey. Had a white frothy head that quickly died down, little lacing.
S: Smells malty, caramel, and a little skunk.
T: Slightly sweet malt, and caramel, very modest on the hops, some oak/ woody characteristics. Not too complex, but pleasant.
M: Medium body, modestly carbonated, slightly sticky.
O: I did not have the highest expectations for this beer, so it pleasantly surprised me. Fairly priced, a decent introduction to the style for those just getting into craft beers.
★ 543 characters
4.25/5 rDev +12.1%
Pours a deep clear Amber with a thin light tan head. The aroma is rich and malty with a hint of earthy hops. The flavor is deep malt, dark fruit and caramel, balanced by the hops. A nice weight to the body and a smooth feeling. A great ale
★ 239 characters
Pours a deep clear Amber with a thin light tan head. The aroma is rich and malty with a hint of earthy hops. The flavor is deep malt, dark fruit and caramel, balanced by the hops. A nice weight to the body and a smooth feeling. A great ale
★ 239 characters
4/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Old Crafty Hen - 6.5% ABV. Pours into a short fluffy head with good lacing and retention. Caramel brown body. Small bubbles with very active carbonation. Smells of nutty bread and caramel. All malt on the front nose. Crisp sugars and raisins. A rum filled mid-palate. Great crisp clove and plum back palate. Lingering rum and oak aftertaste. Beautiful rum like charectar. Thick syrup filled mouthfeel. So well rounded. So full. For a malt head this is it-- 4.0. Very good. Highly recommended for the malt lover or those searching for the anti-hop beer.
★ 552 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Old Crafty Hen - 6.5% ABV. Pours into a short fluffy head with good lacing and retention. Caramel brown body. Small bubbles with very active carbonation. Smells of nutty bread and caramel. All malt on the front nose. Crisp sugars and raisins. A rum filled mid-palate. Great crisp clove and plum back palate. Lingering rum and oak aftertaste. Beautiful rum like charectar. Thick syrup filled mouthfeel. So well rounded. So full. For a malt head this is it-- 4.0. Very good. Highly recommended for the malt lover or those searching for the anti-hop beer.
★ 552 characters
3.87/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Beautiful dark amber color (a whisky color). It generates foam everytime you shake a bit the glass.
Malty smell, a bit sweet, kind of fruity but dificult to distinguish witch fruit (maybe cherry); kind of alcoholic too and it's a bit smoky.
Same thing for the taste, but much more sweet and warm. Nice to drink in little swigs.
Mouthfeel is "bubbly" and much more light than I thought it would be.
Kind of a complex beer, I like it! Just din't feel the oak well..
★ 463 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Beautiful dark amber color (a whisky color). It generates foam everytime you shake a bit the glass.
Malty smell, a bit sweet, kind of fruity but dificult to distinguish witch fruit (maybe cherry); kind of alcoholic too and it's a bit smoky.
Same thing for the taste, but much more sweet and warm. Nice to drink in little swigs.
Mouthfeel is "bubbly" and much more light than I thought it would be.
Kind of a complex beer, I like it! Just din't feel the oak well..
★ 463 characters
4.13/5 rDev +9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Thick off-white foamy head. Leaves ring of lace after each sip. Orange, light brown color with a touch of haze.
Smells like cut soured cherries. Some sweet melted sugar.
Rich, almost oily body. Lower carbonation enhances this feel. Potent, lightly toasted malt base. Some alcohol warmth on the tongue. A touch of sourness but less than the smell implies. There's a bit of hop to prevent the beer becoming cloy. Short Carmel candy aftertaste.
Seeing the other scores here, I think it might be worthwhile to find this one on tap.
★ 533 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Thick off-white foamy head. Leaves ring of lace after each sip. Orange, light brown color with a touch of haze.
Smells like cut soured cherries. Some sweet melted sugar.
Rich, almost oily body. Lower carbonation enhances this feel. Potent, lightly toasted malt base. Some alcohol warmth on the tongue. A touch of sourness but less than the smell implies. There's a bit of hop to prevent the beer becoming cloy. Short Carmel candy aftertaste.
Seeing the other scores here, I think it might be worthwhile to find this one on tap.
★ 533 characters
2.93/5 rDev -22.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.75
50cl bottle into a Cigar City snifter.
Pours a rich white head .5 finger head with low retention. Beer is a clear mahogany. Lacing is spotty and stringy with average stick but thin and oily legs that really cling to the glass. Not bad for the style.
Nose is corn, caramel, molasses, brown sugar, and an effervescent hop bitterness. Moderately aromatic. OK.
Opens sweet. Notes of caramel, toffee and brown sugar. A slightly sour hop bitterness emerges in the middle but fades quickly. End is brown sugar and nutmeg with a sweet aftertaste. Average.
Light bodied with moderate carbonation. Smooth and filmy in the mouth and goes down slightly bubbly with a lightly boozy finish and a lingering, filmy aftertaste. Thin.
I always used to think that Old Ales were thick, robust and complex but this beer is demonstrating a completely different take. I don't know if that's good or bad. I only know that I prefer what I used to think what an Old Ale was.
★ 955 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.75
50cl bottle into a Cigar City snifter.
Pours a rich white head .5 finger head with low retention. Beer is a clear mahogany. Lacing is spotty and stringy with average stick but thin and oily legs that really cling to the glass. Not bad for the style.
Nose is corn, caramel, molasses, brown sugar, and an effervescent hop bitterness. Moderately aromatic. OK.
Opens sweet. Notes of caramel, toffee and brown sugar. A slightly sour hop bitterness emerges in the middle but fades quickly. End is brown sugar and nutmeg with a sweet aftertaste. Average.
Light bodied with moderate carbonation. Smooth and filmy in the mouth and goes down slightly bubbly with a lightly boozy finish and a lingering, filmy aftertaste. Thin.
I always used to think that Old Ales were thick, robust and complex but this beer is demonstrating a completely different take. I don't know if that's good or bad. I only know that I prefer what I used to think what an Old Ale was.
★ 955 characters
2.74/5 rDev -27.7%
look: 2.25 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 3
A - Pours a amber color, head fades quick. Very little to no lacing
S - Light hints of carmel, almost a slight smell of hops but nothing exciting
T - Taste comes through with the same ammount of hops as the smell, almost absent. And maybe a hint of fruit. Somewhat earthy.
O - An alright beer not the worst ive had. Will not seek out again
★ 339 characters
look: 2.25 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 3
A - Pours a amber color, head fades quick. Very little to no lacing
S - Light hints of carmel, almost a slight smell of hops but nothing exciting
T - Taste comes through with the same ammount of hops as the smell, almost absent. And maybe a hint of fruit. Somewhat earthy.
O - An alright beer not the worst ive had. Will not seek out again
★ 339 characters
3.71/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
From a 500 ml bottle to a Morland Greene pint glass.
A: pours a clear amber with a huge three finger soapy head that breaks down quickly leaving little behind but a small film.
S: malts up front followed by a small touch of oak and wood.
T: malts, caramel and a touch of dark fruit.
M: full body with lower carbonation.
O: not the best of offering from Morland but it's a fair beer. I'm still not a fan of the clear bottle and I have to wonder if that affects the taste. I'd like to try this on tap and see if there was a difference.
★ 543 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
From a 500 ml bottle to a Morland Greene pint glass.
A: pours a clear amber with a huge three finger soapy head that breaks down quickly leaving little behind but a small film.
S: malts up front followed by a small touch of oak and wood.
T: malts, caramel and a touch of dark fruit.
M: full body with lower carbonation.
O: not the best of offering from Morland but it's a fair beer. I'm still not a fan of the clear bottle and I have to wonder if that affects the taste. I'd like to try this on tap and see if there was a difference.
★ 543 characters
4.13/5 rDev +9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Say what you will about British dental hygiene but their ales are often perfectly manicured and make a stunning first impression; Old Crafty Hen is tanned, polished, and drop dead gorgeous. It has a lightly coppered auburn colour, deep tone but perfect clarity, and just a sprinkling of bubbles. Its head is fine as moss and sits on the beer like fresh dew over blades of grass.
The bouquet is an intriguing combination of toffee and hazelnut, with a hint of iodine and peat; it's vaguely scotch-like owing to the sharp maltiness, earthy hops and subtle wood spice. I can't even smell an English Old Ale like this without fantasizing about how magical it must be to drink from a fresh cask. Alas, I do not live in Britain, and that is my misfortune.
This beer is a blend of Old Speckled Hen and the allusive Old 5X (which is aged in oak vats for two to five years). The resulting flavour produces a perfect balance of wood spice, tannins, dried fruits, toffee biscuits, nut brittle, and lots of wholesome breadiness. Despite its substantial maltiness a strong sherry-like profile constantly intrudes. No issue there though.
Hence, the palate also features a lot of raisin flavour, but isn't sugary or overly sweet in the least; pungent and resinous Target hops add a taste of grassy, vegetal spice and a bitter (almost astringent) taste of spent green and black tea leaves. These resins are earthy and, owing to the oak, make for an aftertaste loosely reminiscent of moss and peat.
The Brits have a particular talent for making intricate ales without compromising their drinkability, without making them boozy, steroid-driven monsters (like the Americans do). Old Crafty Hen is as mellow and manageable as any pint of plain, but it is just that much more alluring and complex. It is a drink most refined; a perfect fireside companion.
Indeed, if Rhett Butler wanted to find somewhere there was left in life charm and grace, he should have settled in Suffolk, right next to the Morland brewery - Old Crafty Hen is nothing if not charming and graceful. English Old Ales like this one - and the Fullers Vintage Ale, which it strongly resembles - teach one how to relax, properly reflect, and appreciate life.
★ 2,213 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Say what you will about British dental hygiene but their ales are often perfectly manicured and make a stunning first impression; Old Crafty Hen is tanned, polished, and drop dead gorgeous. It has a lightly coppered auburn colour, deep tone but perfect clarity, and just a sprinkling of bubbles. Its head is fine as moss and sits on the beer like fresh dew over blades of grass.
The bouquet is an intriguing combination of toffee and hazelnut, with a hint of iodine and peat; it's vaguely scotch-like owing to the sharp maltiness, earthy hops and subtle wood spice. I can't even smell an English Old Ale like this without fantasizing about how magical it must be to drink from a fresh cask. Alas, I do not live in Britain, and that is my misfortune.
This beer is a blend of Old Speckled Hen and the allusive Old 5X (which is aged in oak vats for two to five years). The resulting flavour produces a perfect balance of wood spice, tannins, dried fruits, toffee biscuits, nut brittle, and lots of wholesome breadiness. Despite its substantial maltiness a strong sherry-like profile constantly intrudes. No issue there though.
Hence, the palate also features a lot of raisin flavour, but isn't sugary or overly sweet in the least; pungent and resinous Target hops add a taste of grassy, vegetal spice and a bitter (almost astringent) taste of spent green and black tea leaves. These resins are earthy and, owing to the oak, make for an aftertaste loosely reminiscent of moss and peat.
The Brits have a particular talent for making intricate ales without compromising their drinkability, without making them boozy, steroid-driven monsters (like the Americans do). Old Crafty Hen is as mellow and manageable as any pint of plain, but it is just that much more alluring and complex. It is a drink most refined; a perfect fireside companion.
Indeed, if Rhett Butler wanted to find somewhere there was left in life charm and grace, he should have settled in Suffolk, right next to the Morland brewery - Old Crafty Hen is nothing if not charming and graceful. English Old Ales like this one - and the Fullers Vintage Ale, which it strongly resembles - teach one how to relax, properly reflect, and appreciate life.
★ 2,213 characters
Old Crafty Hen from Greene King / Morland Brewery
3.79
out of 5
based on 258 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12 ounce bottle into tulip glass, bottled on 7/7/2015. Pours clear reddish copper color with a 1-2 finger dense off white head with good retention, that reduces to a small cap that lingers. Nice spotty soapy lacing clings around the glass. Aromas of big caramel, brown sugar, toffee, brown bread, toasted biscuit, nuttiness, oak, light vanilla, raisin, plum, apple, herbal, mint, light pepper, and yeast/toasted earthiness. Damn nice aromas with great balance and complexity of dark/bready malt and moderate fruity yeast/earthy hop notes; with great strength. Taste of big caramel, brown sugar, toffee, brown bread, toasted biscuit, nuttiness, oak, light vanilla, raisin, plum, apple, herbal, mint, light pepper, and yeast/toasted earthiness. Light-moderate herbal/spicy hop and tannic oak bitterness on the finish; with lingering notes of caramel, brown sugar, toffee, brown bread, toasted biscuit, nuttiness, oak, raisin, plum, apple, herbal, mint, light pepper, and yeast/toasted earthiness on the finish for a good bit. Damn nice complexity, robustness, and balance of dark/bready malt and moderate fruity yeast/earthy hop flavors; with a great malt/bitterness balance and zero cloying flavors after the finish. Light-moderate dryness from bitter/tannic notes as well. Medium carbonation and body; with a very smooth, fairly creamy/grainy, and light tannic/sticky balanced mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is very well hidden with minimal warming present after the finish. Overall this is a great English strong ale! All around great complexity, robustness, and balance of dark/bready malt and moderate fruity yeast/earthy hop flavors; very smooth and easy to drink. Really solid amount of oak presence for only being a small blend. A very enjoyable offering.
★ 1,762 characters