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Old Original

Everards Brewery
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🌍 United Kingdom · English Strong Ale · One of 7 English Strong Ales in hopIQ

"Testament to our fantastic brewing team — continuing the passion sparked by William Everard in 1849." A rich and fruity ruby ale. The ultimate Everards classic, first brewed in 1999 to celebrate the brewery's 150th anniversary.

ABV
5.2%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Malt-forward bitterness
SRM
deep amber18
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Style expression
textbookdistinctive
Taste structure· The backbone of the beer, regardless of style.
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
hopIQ take

Full body.

The weight carries the beer on its own, leaving the aromatics free to lead.

Wider bands mean we're less certain about the exact position.
Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another English Strong Ale.
Malt character
caramel
malty
toasty
Fermentation & yeast
fruity
Distinctive notes
dark fruit
Compare with another beer →

FEATURED IN

Featured inThe Best British Beers

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Old Original

Appearance

A deep ruby to amber hue with excellent clarity, presenting a rich visual warmth characteristic of its 18 SRM. The head forms dense and persistent, with fine Schaumkleiden that cling to the glass throughout the drinking experience. Carbonation is moderate and well-integrated, lending gentle effervescence without agitation.

deep ruby amberclear, brilliantpersistent headmoderate carbonation

Aroma

The nose leads with dark fruit notes—plum and raisin—underscored by warm caramel and toasted grain. A subtle fruitiness rounds the profile, with soft malty sweetness and restrained herbal hop character that complements rather than dominates. No sharp phenolic or solvent character; the alcohol sits seamlessly beneath the malt foundation.

dark stone fruitcaramel, toastsoft malty sweetnessrestrained spice

Taste

Rich and full on entry, with dark fruit and caramel flavors building immediately across the mid-palate. The sweetness is substantial but never cloying, balanced by measured bitterness (35 IBU) and a gentle toasted grain character. The 5.2% ABV provides warmth and body without harsh alcohol bite, creating a velvety, smooth mouthfeel that invites continued sipping.

rich, full-bodieddark fruit, caramelbalanced sweetness and bitternesssmooth, warming

Finish

The finish is medium-length, with lingering caramel and subtle dark fruit notes fading gracefully. A gentle warmth remains, leaving the palate satisfied rather than fatigued.

medium lengthcaramel aftertastewarming, clean
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
80
Taste
85
Appearance
83
Finish
80
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Old Original

Serve at 12–16°C
Refrigerate, then rest 2 min

Serve at 12–16°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass
Recommended for this style

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

Store in a cool, dark place. Check the best-before date on the label for guidance.

Food Pairing

What to eat with Old Original

About English Strong Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a English Strong Ale?

English Strong 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 English Strong Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same rich, fruity, sweet character as Old Original will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other English Strong Ales in hopIQ