About
Harvey's is the oldest independent Brewery in Sussex. Founded by John Harvey in 1790 it still remains a privately owned family business, with the eighth generation currently working there. We pride ourselves on the craft of our brewing, environmental credentials, local distribution, local charitable activities and loyal staff. Widely known for our Best Bitter, our beers and pubs can be found in and around the South East. As a Regional Brewer we tend not distribute further than 60 miles from the brewery premises, however our beers can be purchased via our online shop shop.harveys.org.uk and at our Brewery Shop in Lewes. Show Less
6.5/10
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Appearance 7
Aroma 7.5
Flavor 6.5
Texture 5
Overall 6
I believe this is a 2007 bottle. It has been with me almost that long. Deep opaque brown with almost no bubbles. Smell has strong barley and a thread of alcohol. Thought there was some oxidation in there, but it was gone after a minute. Butter toffee in the taste, then, not really much to follow. Yes some alcohol, but a rather thin mouthfeel. Swirling up the dregs from the bottle gives it a bit more flavor. Kind of a tea crossed with Coca Cola.
Tried
from Bottle
on 09 Jun 2026
at 02:57
6.9/10
—
Appearance 7
Aroma 6
Flavor 7
Texture 8
Overall 7
440ml can from Middle Farm, Firle. Poured a clear dark amber colour with a mostly lasting frothy off white head. The aroma is nutty, big woody hops. The flavour is over moderate bitter, with a smooth, somewhat rich, earthy, big woody hop bitter palate and a long bitter finish. Over medium bodied with soft carbonation.
Tried
from Can
from
Middle Farm Cider Centre
on 24 May 2026
at 22:44
7.5/10
—
Appearance 8
Aroma 7
Flavor 7
Texture 8
Overall 8
Nice beer on cask at the Royal Oak. Pleasant bready pale malts, low bitterness, some British yeast, nip of vanilla, biscuit. Highly drinkable.
Tried
from Cask
at
Royal Oak (Harvey’s)
on 13 May 2026
at 22:19
7.4/10
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Appearance 7
Aroma 7
Flavor 7.5
Texture 8
Overall 7.5
Cask at The Royal Oak. It pours amber with a thick, fluffy white head. The aroma is soft, fragrant, floral, dried fruits, brown bread, toffee, caramel and fruit cake. The taste is smooth, bitter - sweet, toasty grains, earthy, woody, leather, some pucker, light tannin, leather and some chewiness with a drying finish. Light+ body and moderate carbonation. Really well done.
Tried
from Draft
on 13 May 2026
at 21:18
7.4/10
—
Appearance 8
Aroma 7
Flavor 7
Texture 8
Overall 7.5
Very nice. Crisp biscuits, Angel food cake, light bitter straw, yeast expression. Nice.
Tried
from Cask
on 13 May 2026
at 21:12
7.5/10
—
Appearance 7
Aroma 7.5
Flavor 7.5
Texture 8
Overall 7.5
Cask at the Royal Oak. It pours clear golden with a medium fluffy white head. The aroma is soft, bitter - sweet, sweetish, bready malt, biscuit, snappy, oatcakes and egg & cress sandwich. The taste is smooth, bitter - sweet, chewy, biscuit, drying, toasty oatcakes, toasty grains, pleasing fruity character, dried fruits, berry and orchard fruits and earth with a drying finish. Medium body and moderate, supportive carbonation. Lovely carbonation. Subtle complexity.
Tried
from Cask
on 13 May 2026
at 20:56
6.3/10
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Appearance 7
Aroma 6.5
Flavor 6
Texture 6
Overall 6
Condition seems so so, there’s a faint tang to it. Some nice leafy notes, sun-kissed grains. Alright.
Tried
from Cask
on 13 May 2026
at 20:45
6.9/10
—
Appearance 7
Aroma 7.5
Flavor 6.5
Texture 6
Overall 7
Always good to try something traditional from a centuries old brewer, especially if not had before. Dark hazy dark mild lacking depth, but within its own style works well enough. It does feel watery, but it's traditional brewing and no lover of a mild would complain about this one. Good darker malty aroma. 77.56.567
Tried
from Cask
at
Café Beermoth
on 09 May 2026
at 06:56
6/10
—
Appearance 8
Aroma 5.5
Flavor 6
Texture 6
Overall 5.5
Cask at The Clarence, London. Pours clear amber with a light beige head. Taste is toasted malt, toffee, caramel, bit of spice.
Tried
from Cask
on 27 Apr 2026
at 16:40
7.1/10
—
Appearance 7
Aroma 7
Flavor 7
Texture 7
Overall 7.5
500ml bottle from the brewery shop. Pours brown with a off white head. Armas & tastes of dried fruits, honey, biscuit, malt & hops. Medium body. Slightly sweet long moderate bitter finish.
Tried
from Bottle
on 17 Apr 2026
at 15:11