Judge’s Review: 94 Rating – Thomas Hardy’s Ale, Golden Edition 2018 by Meantime Brewing Co.

English Barleywine | Limited Release | United Kingdom

By Michael Heniff

Judges Rating: 94
Aroma: 22
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 37
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 19

Thomas Hardy’s Ale, Golden Edition 2018 by Meantime Brewing Co. was evaluated as an English Barleywine (category 17D in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Barleywines are among the strongest of beer styles with rich malt flavors and alcohol regularly exceeding 10% ABV. Thomas Hardy’s Ale is one of the most storied English Barleywines having been brewed since 1968. This vintage was brewed in 2018 as the 50th Anniversary version and measures in at 13% ABV.
Thomas Hardy’s Ale, Golden Edition 2018 pours amber in color with a moderate haziness and a small rim of off-white head. The aroma is prominently rich caramel and toffee malt; moderate dark fruit plum esters complement the malt. The body is medium-full and the mouthfeel has a moderate (but never harsh) alcohol warmth. The beer’s flavor is again rich caramel and toffee malt with moderate dark fruit plum esters and very little hops. A moderately light sweetness is present. The beer finishes with a moderately light bitterness and a light sweetness. The finish lingers on with moderate caramel and toffee malt elements alongside a light alcohol warmth.
Thomas Hardy’s Ale has long been an icon of English Barleywines and this limited-edition example is no exception. At six years old, this vintage is a fine example of a top-tier barleywine. Even though it will still mature into an even more rich and complex example for many years, I recommend buying some to enjoy now while also stashing some away for the most exclusive bottle shares. Cheers!