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Old Tom

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Old Tom is a strong dark ale, first brewed on 1 November 1899 and named after the brewery cat, whose face the head brewer of the day sketched and which still looks out from the label. It pours the colour of cherry brandy and smells of molasses and vinous dark fruit. The palate is rich and warming: ripe malt, roasted nuts and chocolate with a smoky depth, lifted by peppery hops. The finish recalls port wine and lingers for a long time.

ABV
8.5%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Roasted bitterness
SRM
deep amber15
PaceSipper

AWARDS

World's Best Ale · 2009
World Beer Awards
World's Best Dark Ale · 2007
World Beer Awards
Gold · 2023
Champion Winter Beer of Britain
Barley Wines and Strong Ales
Silver · 2023
Champion Winter Beer of Britain
Overall
Gold · 2008
Champion Winter Beer of Britain
Barley Wines
Bronze · 1990
Champion Beer of Britain
Overall
★World's Best Ale — World Beer Awards
★World's Best Dark Ale — World Beer Awards
★Gold — Champion Winter Beer of Britain (Barley Wines and Strong Ales)
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
dark fruitroastedchocolate
dark fruit
roasted
chocolate
malty
nutty
smoky
Aroma
The nose leads with molasses sweetness and dark dried fruit—prune and raisin—layered beneath vinous notes that suggest fortified wine.
also:spicy hop,caramel
not found:hoppy,bready,fruity,spicy

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Old Tom

◎ Appearance

Old Tom presents a deep auburn-brown hue reminiscent of cherry brandy, with excellent clarity and a full, persistent head that leaves distinct lacing on the glass. The color intensity—measured at 15 SRM—sits firmly in the dark ale range, appearing almost opaque when held to light.

deep auburn-browncherry liqueur colorpersistent head lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with molasses sweetness and dark dried fruit—prune and raisin—layered beneath vinous notes that suggest fortified wine. Roasted grain and a subtle smokiness form the middle ground, while a light peppery hop character emerges on the finish of the aroma.

molasses and dark fruitvinous, fortifiedroasted grain undertone

◐ Taste

The palate is full-bodied and warming, with rich, ripe malt as the foundation supporting chocolate and roasted nut flavors. Peppery hops lift the mid-palate with subtle spice, while a smoky depth runs through the entire tasting experience. The 8.5% alcohol adds a gentle burn and presence without being harsh or dominant.

rich, warming maltchocolate and roasted nutssmoky spicevinous warmth

◑ Finish

The finish is long and evolving, recalling aged port with lingering dark fruit notes and a subtle drying smokiness. The aftertaste persists for several minutes, gradually fading to a whisper of roasted grain and faint cocoa.

port wine characterextended, evolving finish
88
hopIQ score
Aroma
87
Taste
89
Appearance
86
Finish
88
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 Tom

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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 dark fruit, rich, roasted character as Old Tom will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other English Strong Ales in hopIQ

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