Looking for the next Thomas Hardy's

Just saw this thread because it was revived, so I apologize for being late to the conversation. I would appreicate your further views on the subject of the Eldridge Pope versus the O'Hanlon's versions.

I am curious if the three of you are basing your thoughts on the comparison based on having had both beers at similar ages. I never drank this beer at all until O'Hanlon's was brewing it. As a result, I generally been in the position of trying to guess whether, for example, the 5 y/o O'Hanlon's only tastes different than an EP that is 15 y/o because there is a year year difference in their age. Certainly, while I could name other beers that are similar (JW Less Harvest, Elizabethan, Gale's, even North Coast Old Stock), there is no doubt that Thomas Hardy's whether the O'Hanlon's or the Eldridge Pope at vastly different ages were much more alike than the others were.

So, how definite are you that it was really a different and not quite as good brew? Also, I'm curious why Ron would expect a new version to be better than O'Hanlon's? Access to ingredients closer to the original? More trust in the new owner for some reason?

Thanks.

 

I had a six year vertical (not quite vertical) 1994, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, you can see the beer grows lighter in color the more recent they get. 1994 was obviously the darkest, and was delicious. the 2004 and 2005 were also darker than 2006-2008 batches. It looks like the recipe has changed a few times, I prefer the darker, older versions. Truth be told only the 1994 was Eldridge Pope, but it was certainly very different than the later vintages in color and malt bill alone.

 

Structurally Thomas Hardy's Ale brewed at Eldridge Pope was fatter and denser than O'Hanlon's version though Eldridge Pope was cutting corners itself with this beer from about 1990 or so. The usual excuses of greater consistency and cleaner flavours etc were used to hide the issue of cost to the brewer.

 

Because of who will be brewing it. And because I've been tangentially involved.

 

Which brewery did they pick? Every time I try to access that Brew Invest Thomas Hardy's Ale website, I have to re-enter my Location and a (fake) Birthdate every time I try to go to another page on the site, and get too annoyed with it before I can find a page where they mention where are brewing.

 

I'd love to know who's brewing this!

 

I'm sworn to secrecy.

 

Save your time. It's not posted on the site. Only Ron knows.

 

I'm assuming that the majority of it, when it comes out, will be exported to the US since us Yanks go gaga over it?

 

Q: I saw aged Thomas Hardy ale at my supermarket. It's a little old to say the least.

Is it worth getting? Four bottles for $25.00?

 

Disclaimer: It was a specialty-foods supermarket

 

Further Disclaimer: I had no idea what is was until I saw this thread?

 

Grab 'em!

 

Pulling one of these little rascals out every now and then, like a nice glass of port, can make for some nice conversation.

 

@patto1ro , any updates that you can give us on this?

 

A test batch has been brewed and is ready for bottling. The first production batch is still fermenting.