1995 Thomas Hardy's Ale

Had my mother and father-in-law in town this past weekend. It's always good to see them. A little verbal prodding from Theresa had me looking around in my cellar for a couple of bottles of Thomas Hardy's Ale from O'Hanlons Brewing Company. She did help me secure a few cases of various vintages a couple of years ago, so it's only right that I share them with her occasionally. Besides, with the way that I squirrel stuff away in my cellar, who knows when I'll actually think to drink one on my own!

1995 Thomas Hardy's Ale, 11% ABV:

Decanted clear with almost no carbonation. The color is brown, and the nose is of molasses, toffee, pecans, dates, and soft alcohol. The bouquet of this beer is huge! You can smell it sitting on the table a couple of feet away. Upon entry, it delivers molasses and hints of cocoa in the front, then quickly moves onto figs, dates, and subtle apricot. Finishes with pecan nuttiness, caramel, hints of chocolate, and ripe fruit. This beer is outrageous, and well worth the wait!!

If I had a favorite style, Old Ale would probably be it. I'm a huge fan of the style, and this 1995 Thomas Hardy's Ale is a perfect example of how wonderfully complex and delicious that this style can be!

What a treat!!

Thomas Hardy's Ale was first sold in 1968 to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the death of Thomas Hardy. It is based on the ale mentioned in the novel "The Trumpet Major" where it is described so vividly by the author.

"IT WAS OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COLOUR THAT THE EYE OF AN ARTIST IN BEER COULD DESIRE; FULL IN BODY, YET BRISK AS A VOLCANO; PIQUANT, YET WITHOUT A TWANG; LUMINOUS AS AN AUTUMN SUNSET." http://www.onlyfinebeer.co.uk/beer/1487/