Holden's Old Ale
A dark, strong ale brewed as the brewery's winter beer. A description circulated with the beer speaks of four malts and a generous amount of Fuggles in the copper, giving a complexity of rich malty flavours. Tasters describe deep malt with a roasted edge, some fruit and a warming alcohol, and note that it is less sweet than the strength suggests and drinks lighter than its 7.2%. In 2026 it took bronze in the barley wine and strong ale class of CAMRA's Champion Winter Beer of Britain.
AWARDS
Tasting Notes
AI-generated sensory profile for Holden's Old Ale
Serve at 12–16°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.
The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.
More from Holden's Brewery
About Old Ale
Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives
What is a Old Ale?
Old Ale is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.
Finding a similar Old Ale
hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same malty, roasted, rich character as Holden's Old Ale will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.
Other Old Ales in hopIQ