If you were wondering about the name, the website for the brewery indicates that it was first brewed to mark the Queen’s Coronation in 1953. I am not sure if it is true, but the bottle that I had indicated that it was retired (no longer brewed) and that certainly helped in the decision to grab one when I had the chance. My bottle was marked as #02716.
Many times, after I review a beer, I look to see what others have said about the same brew. This was certainly a case where my grade was well below what I found out there. I suppose that just helps to prove that everyone tastes differently and can have differing reactions to the same beer.
Brewery: Harvey & Son Ltd. (UK – England)
Name: Elizabethan Ale
Style: Old Ale (Strong Ale)
ABV: 8.1%
Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge and served in a snifter. $3.99 for 275ml
Aroma: Sweet malt aroma with a hint of alcohol. Some dark fruit, very much like a port.
Appearance: Amber to brown color (like dark apple cider). Slight (almost no) light brown head. Clear with a few rising bubbles visible.
Flavor: Medium malt and some molasses-like flavor. No real noticeable hop flavors. Sweet at the finish with some alcohol and dryness. Somewhat dark fruit, port-like in flavor.
Mouthfeel: Medium (to light) body. Very flat with little carbonation. Slight alcohol warmth.
Overall Impressions: The flavor was fine, but the mouthfeel makes me wonder if the bottle was a bit old or past its prime. It would have been nice to have another bottle for comparison to see if this one was a good example. It does drink a bit like a wine (port). If this is true to this beer, I would not buy again (in the bottle anyway).
Grade: C+
Harvey & Son Ltd. - Elizabethan Ale
great article, very appreciated the info!