I’d seen Old Speckled Hen on the shelves and decided to finally breakdown and drink one. I figured it was one of those 200 year old UK traditions from the sound of the name. I mean “Speckled Old Hen” sounds like one of those English pubs where everyone is drunk and bored, with sawdust on the floor boards and a dart board by the door, and a shuffle board too. Like The Spotted Dick* or the Duck or Else, or the Muscular Arms, or the Bull in the China Shop. Turns out this chicken, or egg (the debate rages on), first appeared in ‘79, as in 1979.** I’ve got kids almost as old as this brew. I guess that’s why they call it “old” and not “olde”? Is “Olde” an old form of “old”?***
As far as cranky old hens go, I know a few and thought this review might be seen as an open invitation to make Cranky Old Men more diverse. How’s that for political correctness. So I reached out to some and the response I got was underwhelming to say the least. Although all three descriptors are accurate they seemed to offend some?****
A clear and present pour, a caramel rouge presentation with a bright white comb on this rooster. If I knew what barleywine smelled like I would think that was the aroma I got from this brew. A unique aroma, I think they call it dis-stink-tive. First taste is malt fizz, some fruit in there, and a super dry pucker up finish. There’s a bitter aftertaste. Lots going on here. As it settled in everything was still there but all a bit subdued. A complex pale ale, a bucket full of pale so to speak.
I never really got into this one although I can see how some might enjoy it. When I heard the brewer’s name, Greene King, I thought this might be a good beer to feature at the COMDB AGM (Annual Golf Meeting). But I think this is one Greene that none of the COM will miss.
*Editor’s Comment: Spotted Dick is actually a traditional British pudding made with raisins or currants. The spotted part of the name is obvious, “dick” was another name for pudding. The Muscular Arms is actually a pub in Glasgow.
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