Hanlons Brewery Thomas Hardy's Ale (2003 - 2008)

Thomas Hardy's Ale (2003 - 2008)

 

Hanlons Brewery in Exeter, Devon, England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

  Traditional Beer - Old Ale Regular Out of Production
Score
7.92
ABV: 11.7% IBU: - Ticks: 191
Scarce, subtle and complex, Thomas Hardy’s Ale is the beer enthusiast’s equivalent of rare cognac. Bottle-conditioned to mature in the bottle like fine wine, this old ale/barley wine will improve with age for at least 26 years (and we’re still counting!). Not for the faint of palate, especially when young and brash, maturity brings an elegance of flavors unmatched by any other beer—if you have the patience to cellar it for at least a decade.
 

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8.4
Appearance - 9 | Aroma - 9 | Flavor - 8 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 8

Malty sweet, tons of port, burnt raisins, brown sugar. . Super low carbonation a touch of bitterness. Tons of dark fruit. Alcohol is super well hidden. Fantastic amazing

Tried on 07 Jun 2025 at 11:29


7.5
Appearance - 9 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 7.5

Bottle, 2004 vintage. Thanks john!. Pours hazel, no head, no lacing. Aaron's is molasses, raisin, prune. Oxidized, rich. Flavor is quite sweet, light plus bitter. Medium body.

Tried on 22 May 2025 at 04:12


9
Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 9 | Flavor - 9 | Texture - 10 | Overall - 9

murky brown, with zero head. Aroma is very malty, and there are some hops in there. I’m loving the caramel notes laced with some subtle fruit, and a touch of alcohol. Flavour is so smooth, and complex. Lots of stuff going on here. Caramel maltiness takes over, butt he fruit comes through. Subtle spice, man this reminds me of a wicked sherry/spice cake. Mouthfeel is thick, and sweet, and super super smooth. YOu can feel the alcohol as it soothes, and warms as you swallow. Wow, a true delight. I"m glad i grabbed a bunch, can;t wait to see what this turns into.

Tried from Can on 28 Feb 2025 at 05:01


8
Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 8 | Flavor - 8 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 8

Finally got to try this last night! 20 years old but malty goodness. Thomas hardy 2003 Tiny bottle shared after 20 years of aging.big malty, complex, figgy and with a sourness in the finish. Complex but insanely drinkable.

Tried from Bottle on 31 Dec 2023 at 00:03


9.1
Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 9 | Flavor - 9 | Texture - 10 | Overall - 9.5

2007 vintage bottle at share. I always love to drink some Thomas Hardy and this vintage has cellared well over the last 16 years. Flat brown pour. Boozy, malty aroma, oak. Taste has light brown sugar notes, leather, tobacco, earthy, nutty. So mellow and easy to drink, each sip a pleasure.

Tried from Bottle on 20 Nov 2023 at 05:29


7.5
Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 8

2007 Nip bottle pours out golden no head. Nose is sweet malts nice toffee kick. Taste is more of the nice sweet caramel malts toffee and cardboard.

Tried from Bottle on 18 Nov 2023 at 22:21


8
Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 8 | Flavor - 8 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 8

Flaska från Jonas. Årgång? Backlog. Drucken hastigt utanför bastun. Gammal plommonjuice. Gott.

Tried on 25 Mar 2023 at 08:57


8.6
Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 9 | Flavor - 9 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 8.5

Bottle thanks to cgarvieuk. Bottle 48366. Appearance - amber tp autumnal red. No head. Nose - marzipan and Jamaica cake. Prunes and hazelnuts. Taste - dates and boozy fruit cake. Light oxidise sherry note. Palate - medium bodied and rich and sweet. Light woody finish. Overall - lovely stuff.

Tried from Bottle on 02 Jan 2023 at 14:01


8
Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 8 | Flavor - 8 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 8

Bottle at Craig's. 2005 vintage. Bottle 48366. Pours clear mahogany with no head. Aromas of almond, prunes, sherry. Taste is boozy fruit cake, dates, sherry again. Lovely.

Tried from Bottle on 02 Jan 2023 at 14:00


7

Tried on 02 Jan 2023 at 13:59