Old Crafty Hen
Greene King / Morland Brewery

Bought from M&S Foodhall Westfield, this redeems my belief that they actually pay attention to quality and not just what moves off the shelves. Crafty may be my favourite of the 3 Morland Hens I've tried... and they probably put the most effort into Crafty.

Crafty has a brilliant ruby bod and an average foam at the end. Smells are mostly malt; but this is supposed to have some older ale blended in and I catch that "stale", possibly more than oak barrels. Tastes are truly balanced with the hops entering at mid-palate and then getting slowly stronger in the finish. While this limits the foods that can be eaten with it (mostly cheeses for me), Crafty makes a good aperitif. But, most dinners to follow from my kitchen pair better with Belgians. Crafty is better than medium-mouthed in this simple but stronger style.

The Greene King parent relationship I always shied from. But for the parent to allow the Morland acquisition to be as good as Crafty, that deserves very good Overall Hugs. Cheers !

 

 

 

 

 

Clear dark-amber body, with fairly strong fizz leading to a very large and foamy buff-coloured head. On the nose you get the first hint of the strength - almost Belgian in its yeasty funk, with blackberry and toffee. On the tongue, more yeast funk with banana, smoky malt and cinnamon and nutmeg at the end. Sweet and spicy on the finish, with a sticky-sweet mouthfeel thanks to the strength. As usual, the flashes of brilliance in Greene King's beers throw their frequent mediocrity into stark comparison.

I think this might be my favorite of the "Hen" series...

Visiting England I have had the opportunity to try quite a bit of English beer - this "Hen" series (as I call it) has been a staple. This one looked so unique to me as it is an ale, made into a strong ale through the use of cask aging. It does give it a unique oaky, roasty, and light caramel flavor that is something to truly kick back and enjoy. Looks great too with its dark, caramel colored brew and white frothy head and a smell that is mostly malty with distant notes of caramel and raisins. Great offering, I'm now glad I accidentally bought a second one to enjoy...

 

 

 

 

Lovely clear dark ruby colour. Smells of toffee, dark fruit, raisin. Taste is the same, with that usual english strong ale taste, though light. Feel is a bit thin and too fizzy. Would love to try on cask though.

Poured from a bottle of unknown vinatage clear chestnut brown with a huge tan head. Smells of raisin, date, toffee, earth and bready malts. Tastes washes the palate with the dark fruit and toffee/caramel malt notes in a light way, mild bread comes in before the earthy finish that is slightly oxidized and bitter with a hint of wood. Feel is lighter than expected, malt forward, smooth but somewhat thin for style

 

 

 

500 ml clear bottle, as Morland Old Crafty Hen, from Tesco Express, Belfast. ABV is 6.5%. Beautiful brownish-red colour, moderate off-white head. Strong aroma of lightstruck hops, oak, toffee and caramel. Medium sweet flavour of malts, caramel and oak. Too modest hops. No masterpiece.