Hardys & Hansons William Clarke Strong Ale

Formerly brewed at Hardys & Hansons
Style: English Strong Ale
Nottingham, England

Serve in English pint, Snifter

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Cask (gravity dispense), GBBF, August 2005. As one of the very few strong ales on offer, I was hoping for much from this one. sadly I was disappointed. Without being able to put my finger on the precise reasons this was just a very dull beer. Not a bad one, a dull one. Copper colour. Odd, slightly musty aroma, with toffee in evidence. Some woody and vinous notes on the palate, but its not very assertive and has a sweetness that doesn’t combine too well with the other elements. Rather lifeless mouthfeel.

Cask condioned, GBBF 2005: Syrupy flavour, quite sticky. Medium bitter finish. Average strong ale.

Strong barnyard and citrus sapling in the nose. Opaque tan-brown with low, off-white head that diminishes to ring. Citrus, black pepper, lightly tart flavour with lasting floral and sugary finish and aftertaste. Medium body is somewhat sticky with fairly low carbonation. Cask at GBBF 2005.

Cask (GBBF): Light amber in colour. Warming full bodied feel. Mild fruity aroma. Caramel, fruity flavour. Drinkable.

On tap at GBBF 05. Cloudy light brown, no head. Smells terrible: excrement, Venice in Summer. Taste is strongly soured and metally. Not brilliant - nasty aftertaste too.

Cask conditioned - handpump - GBBF 2005. An amber brown coloured beer with some hop in the background of the aroma but otherwise a bit sulphuric. The taste is malty sweet and not too bad. It was good to have alittle break from Golden Ales but this wasn’t as good as wished for.