Brewed By:
Thomas Hardy's
Self-Defined Style:
Barley Wine/Vintage Ale Brewed with all natural ingredients, including the increasingly rare Maris Otter barley malt, Fuggles and Goldings whole cone hops, and a special strain of top fermenting yeast that gives the beer a unique character. Britain's rarest brew is sweet up front and finishes quite dry when young, mellowing and drying even more as it matures. Beer authority Michael Jackson describes a newly bottled vintage as "Rich and fruity. Still young. Reminds me of Port and fruit cake. A rich, voluptuous beer." Master of Wine Joe Naughalty described the 1968 vintage (at a 1992 tasting) as, "Soft, creamy, quite elegant. Super balance of fruit flavors and long finish. Extremely complex. Lovely."
Best With:
Not for the faint of palate, especially when young, Hardy's is a robust complement to rich, hearty foods, veined cheeses like Stilton, and rich chocolate desserts. At any age it's an appropriate alternative to an after-dinner liqueur, to be sipped and savored. Best served at cellar temperature, like a fine red wine.
Special Attributes:
Big Beer (+8.0% ABV)
Special Attributes:
Vintage Beer (Evolves with Age)
Special Attributes:
Digestif 
