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Old Original

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Fruity and malty, this 5.2% strong ale is full-bodied and made for slower drinking. Premium British hops and malts give it its depth, and its ruby colour gives the beer its second name. In 2024 the cask version took Bronze for British Best Bitter at the SIBA Midlands awards. The cans hold 440 ml, and Everards lists 47.5 kcal per 100 ml.

ABV
5.2%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Malt-forward bitterness
SRM
deep amber18
PaceTwo or Three

AWARDS

Bronze · 2024
Champion Beer of Britain (regional, East Midlands)
★Bronze — Champion Beer of Britain (regional, East Midlands)
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
fruitycaramelmalty
fruity
caramel
malty
dark fruit
toasty
Aroma
The nose leads with dark fruit notes—plum and raisin—underscored by warm caramel and toasted grain.
not found:hoppy,roasted,clean,smoky

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
Serve at 12–16°C

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

Pint glass

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

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Old Original

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About Strong Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Strong Ale?

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 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.

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