Thomas Hardy's Ale - The Historical 2016
Interbrau S.p.A

250 ml bottle, from Bestofbeers, Denmark. ABV is 12.7%. Dark brown colour, minimal carbonation, thin and shortlived beige head. Aroma of malts, molasses, oak, raisins and cognac. Rich flavour, fairly sweet, distinct notes of oak, raisins and cognac. Smooth to drink, warming mouth- and throatfeel.

From the 11.2 oz bottle in a teku snifter via a fellow Beeradvocate-----Cheers Zid!
This astounding and historic ale pours a classic lightly hazed lightly brown tinged
amber with a modest head of off white foam that subsides to a thin ring and subtle
wafting pool with scant lacing....sigh....classic. Nose of candied mulled peaches in
light brandy, rich caramel, baked apple, subtle booze, and light brown sugars. Flavors
take me back to a number of years ago with candied peaches and apricot notes that
are awash in brandy verging on cognac notes. White raisin rests on the sides of the taste
and fade into a light caramel and brown sugar note with a mild cherry note that again
fades into a sherry note on the rear. Excellent. Near perfect mouth feel for this historic ale;
low carbonation, medium full mouth feel; and a sweet fruit and booze laden finish that is lightly
slick and subtly syrupy making for a near perfect barley wine experience.

LET IT WARM AND ENJOY IT---DO NOT DRINK THIS ONE COLD! YOU WILL MISS WHAT IS
INTENDED.

Overall I can not say enough about this ale---it is as close as it comes to what I knew in 1999
that I am taken aback. The only differences from memory I can detect is a touch less carbonation
in the original and a bit more sweetness. A historic ale to be certain and one to be cherished
and deserving of a good cellar. That said the Doomsday Beer Closet shall hold at least 1 of them
to cellar and rest for a number of years till it is near the perfect flavor. Next to it shall sit the other
incarnation that did not nail it out of the park, and an original that shall be saved for a perfect occasion
that has never arisen. Last sip---excellence----worth your time and worth your dime.

Cheers

 

 

Poured from just under fridge temp. Pours a nice burgundy with almost no carbonation. Nose is classic Thomas Hardy's Ale, but with a nice tough of cognac. Getting lots of dark fruit (cherries, plums) and a bunch of caramel. Really amazing. Taste is amazing. Sweet caramel, cognac, slight sting of alcohol heat (could use some aging), and some dark candied fruit. Mouthfeel is slick and strong, with a nice aftertaste. Really nice beer.

From Boxbeers. In Teku glass. Playing Void & Meddler. No foam. Superb aroma, enjoyable just by smelling it. Sweet, with the high abv really well hidden and just providing a comfortable warm feeling

'16. Cellar temp. Aroma is like oatmeal raisin cookie dough aged in an oak barrel. Taste is so mellow, surprisingly slightly smoother (Barleywines bring best alliterations) than the non-Cognac BA version. This drinks like a fine liquor; sweet, not harsh, with a subtle kick at the end. Chewier than the regular version, though overall, I wouldn't say better. Equally good.