Old Tom – Claims “World’s Best Ale”?

I took this with my cell phone’s camera, so don’t hold it against me.   I’m going to have to start carrying my camera out with me when I go have beer at friends’ houses!

This is another beer that our friend Pat brought back from Europe.  This “Old Tom” Strong Ale is brewed by Robinsons Brewery in Stockport, England.   It’s 8.5% and sports a great label!

This beer was so malty… but without any sweetness.  It was the strangest thing!  My husband said it tasted a lot like Black Strap Molasses, which aren’t sweet like regular molasses.  Whatever was in this, it wasn’t my thing.  I enjoy rich, full, malty beers – but part of the reason I love malty beers is because the malt brings with it some sweetness and even a raisin taste, at times.

I did love this small little warning on the back showing a pregnant lady with an “X” through it.  Nice of them to add a PSA.  I thought that was just as cute as the Tom Cat on the front.

Evidently, for a small bottle, it’s pretty pricey, but with a label stating “World’s Best Ale”, you’ve gotta give it a try – right?

Advertisement

I Found the Holy Grail!

I found out that they now sell the Holy Grail Ale in six packs – I only ever remember it in larger 500ml bottles.  My husband snagged said prize (it was hard to miss with the glowing lights and angels singing around it) and brought it home for us to drink.  Wow – after my first sip I’m reminded how appropriately named it is.  I love the malt and hop flavors… and seeing as it’s brewed in England – it has that “English water” taste.  You know what I’m talking about right – that taste that is so hard for brewers here to duplicate?  That English water really adds to the malty richness and full mouth feel of the beer.  Just by tasting it, I wouldn’t have guessed that it’s only 4.7%ABV – it seems so much bigger.  I’m thankful for the lower alcohol content though, it’s nice to have a beer you can sit back and enjoy 2 (or 5) of.  🙂

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the tie in to Monty Python – as I love “The Holy Grail” movie!  I didn’t test it out, but I’d be willing to bet they engineered these bottle caps to float so it’s easier to determine who’s a witch.