Old Speckled Hen is a classic British ale known for its distinctive malty taste, smooth texture, and rich amber color.
Originally brewed by the Morland Brewery in Abingdon, England, and now produced by Greene King, this popular beer has become a favorite among ale enthusiasts worldwide.
But what if you’re in the mood for something a bit different?
Fear not, fellow beer lover, for I have personally tasted and compiled a list of five fantastic alternatives to Old Speckled Hen that will surely satisfy your craving for a unique and delicious ale. These beers include:
1. Fuller’s London Pride
2. Hobgoblin Ruby Ale
3. Theakston Old Peculier
4. Adnams Broadside
5. Shepherd Neame Spitfire
So grab a pint and let’s dive into the wonderful world of British ales!
1. Fuller’s London Pride
Origin and Brew Method
Fuller’s London Pride is a flagship ale from Fuller, Smith & Turner, a historic brewery located in Chiswick, London. Established in 1845, the Fuller’s Brewery has been producing quality beers for over 175 years.
London Pride is brewed using 100% British ingredients, including Northdown, Challenger, and Target hops, as well as crystal malt. The result is a well-balanced, complex ale with a beautiful copper hue.
Taste and Aroma
Upon taking my first sip of London Pride, I was immediately struck by its smooth, malty backbone, which is complemented by a subtle hop bitterness. The ale has a rich, biscuity flavor, with notes of caramel and toffee shining through.
The aroma is similarly delightful, with a pleasant blend of fruity esters and earthy hop notes. Overall, London Pride is an excellent alternative to Old Speckled Hen for those who enjoy a well-rounded, flavorful ale.
2. Hobgoblin Ruby Ale
Origin and Brew Method
Hobgoblin Ruby Ale is a creation of Wychwood Brewery, based in Witney, Oxfordshire. Founded in 1983, Wychwood has gained a reputation for its whimsical branding and innovative beer styles. Hobgoblin is brewed using a blend of Chocolate and Crystal malts, as well as Fuggle and Styrian Golding hops, which contribute to its distinctive ruby hue and complex flavor profile.
Taste and Aroma
The moment this ruby ale touched my lips, I was greeted with a rich, malty sweetness that was quickly followed by a moderate hop bitterness.
Flavors of chocolate, caramel, and dark fruits are prominent, while the aroma is characterized by a delightful mix of fruitcake and hoppy earthiness. Hobgoblin Ruby Ale is a delicious choice for those seeking an alternative to Old Speckled Hen that offers a slightly darker, richer experience.
3. Theakston Old Peculier
Origin and Brew Method
Theakston Old Peculier is a legendary ale hailing from the Theakston Brewery in Masham, North Yorkshire. Established in 1827, the brewery has a long tradition of crafting high-quality, distinctive ales. Old Peculier is brewed using a unique blend of Fuggle, Golding, and Challenger hops, as well as pale, crystal, and roasted barley malts. This combination results in a dark, rich, and complex beer that has stood the test of time.
Taste and Aroma
As I took a sip of Old Peculier, I was immediately captivated by its full-bodied, velvety texture and deep, malty flavors. Notes of chocolate, toffee, and dark fruit abound, while the hop bitterness is gentle yet assertive. The aroma is a harmonious blend of fruity esters, roasted malts, and a touch of licorice. If you’re looking for an alternative to Old Speckled Hen with a bit more depth and intensity, Old Peculier is an excellent choice.
4. Adnams Broadside
Origin and Brew Method
Adnams Broadside is a beloved ale from the Adnams Brewery, located in Southwold, Suffolk. Founded in 1872, Adnams has a rich history of brewing exceptional beers with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
Broadside is brewed with a variety of malts, including pale ale, chocolate, and crystal, as well as First Gold and Northdown hops. This combination results in a strong, dark, and flavorful ale that is sure to please.
Taste and Aroma
Upon tasting Broadside, I was struck by its intense, malty flavors and robust hop bitterness. Notes of dried fruit, caramel, and toasted bread dominate the palate, while the aroma is a delightful mix of figs, raisins, and earthy hops. The full-bodied mouthfeel and warming alcohol presence make this beer a perfect alternative to Old Speckled Hen for those seeking a more robust and hearty ale.
5. Shepherd Neame Spitfire
Origin and Brew Method
Shepherd Neame Spitfire is a classic British ale from the Shepherd Neame Brewery, the oldest continually operating brewery in the United Kingdom, established in 1698. Located in Faversham, Kent, Shepherd Neame is renowned for producing high-quality, traditional beers. Spitfire is brewed using Kentish hops, including East Kent Goldings, and a blend of malts to create a well-balanced, flavorful ale.
Taste and Aroma
As I savored my first sip of Spitfire, I was met with a delicate balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness.
The ale boasts flavors of biscuit, caramel, and a hint of citrus, while the aroma is characterized by a pleasant mix of floral hops and sweet malt. Spitfire is a fantastic alternative to Old Speckled Hen for those who prefer a lighter, more refreshing ale.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is a wealth of fantastic British ales available to those seeking an alternative to Old Speckled Hen. From the well-rounded Fuller’s London Pride to the dark and intense Theakston Old Peculier, each beer offers a unique and satisfying experience for the discerning palate.
While each of these alternatives is exceptional in its own right, my personal recommendation would have to be Adnams Broadside for its robust flavor and warming, full-bodied character. Cheers to exploring new and exciting ales!
FAQs
Should Old Speckled Hen be cold or warm?
Old Speckled Hen is a beer that is best enjoyed slightly chilled, rather than warm. Serving it at a temperature between 45-50°F (7-10°C) allows the flavors to be more pronounced and the aromas to be more noticeable. However, personal preferences may vary, so feel free to experiment and find the temperature that suits your taste.
What does Old Speckled Hen beer taste like?
Old Speckled Hen beer is a classic English ale known for its rich and malty flavor profile. It has a smooth and slightly sweet taste with notes of caramel, toffee, and biscuit. The beer also has a subtle fruitiness and a hint of hop bitterness, creating a well-balanced and satisfying drinking experience.
What is the strength of Old Speckled Hen beer?
Old Speckled Hen beer has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5%.
What style of beer is speckled hen?
Speckled Hen is a style of beer known as English Pale Ale. It is characterized by its amber color, rich maltiness, and balanced hop bitterness.
Has Old Speckled Hen changed?
Yes, Old Speckled Hen has undergone some changes over the years. Originally brewed in 1979, it has seen some modifications in its recipe and production process. While the core characteristics of the beer have remained consistent, there have been minor adjustments to meet changing consumer tastes and preferences.
What percentage is speckled hen?
Speckled Hen is a popular beer brand produced by the Greene King Brewery. It is a English Pale Ale with an alcohol content of 5%.
