So I mentioned last week that that Meantime Porter was the first English beer that I had looked at on the blog. Well, I'm making up for lost time. On a semi-related note, I have recently rediscovered my love for Guinness. The sessionable, hearty, dry, roastiness, and the creamy nitro body. With both of those things in mind I'm making it a point this week to check out some English nitro draught ales. First on the list, Old Speckled Hen, first brewed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the MG factory in Abingdon. There seems to be some discrepancy online as to the style of this beer. Old Speckled Hen's own website just refers to it as an English Ale, Beer Advocate has it listed as an English Pale Ale. I was always under the impression that it was a bitter and I found a couple other references out there saying the same. Well, whatever it may be it checks in at 5.2%. To the beer!
Old speckled hen pours a vibrant coppery amber in color. It's topped by a thick, creamy layer of bone white foam. That head is incredibly resilient, it persists all the way down to the bottom of the glass and leaves spotty lacing on the way.
Aromas of slightly sweet biscuity, crackery malt are contrasted by mild grassy, herbal, floral hoppy notes. There's an interesting subtle yeasty fruitiness going on as well. Almost a strawberry like character.
The nitrogen lends Old Speckled Hen a medium to full body and an exceedingly smooth mouthfeel. The malt flavors take the lead here with bready, slightly sweet notes of toffee and caramel. The bitterness is very mild, but serves to dry things out. Light fruity notes of lemon, apple, and berry add a bit of complexity. Old Speckled Hen goes down very easily. Very drinkable, very sessionable.
I like this one. It's not going to knock your socks off, but the light, subtle, but still hearty and enjoyable flavor mixed with the intriguing nitro mouthfeel make this one worth your time.
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