93. Old Ruby Ale 1905

Old Ruby Ale 1905


Company info:
Waitrose Limited
Berkshire, GREAT BRITAIN

[No website listed]

Bottle size sampled: 500 mL

Alcohol: 5%
Standard drinks: 2

Cap type: Non-twist

Cost: I picked this up for $7.50AU

Label info: ‘A deliciously robust rich blend of hops and malt, including an English barley first used in 1905 called Plumage Archer’

and

‘Duchy Originals fro Waitrose – At Waitrose and Duchy, we share a belief in the value of British organic food, grown and produced sustainably.
Old Ruby Ale 1905 – This traditional ale was lovingly brewed using barley from selected organic farms, including Duchy Home Farm at Highgrove’.

What the label really means: Although I wish I was informed more on the Plumage Archer, I am intrigued by it’s long history. I’m also intrigued by the fact that this is an organic brew.
A little piece of text on the back of the label reads ‘Suitable for Vegetarians’ – which is a massive relief because damn those meat beers are a divisive lot aren’t they? Many a time have I rocked up at a vegetarian house party with a case of Slaughter-House Lager on my shoulder only to be met with disapproving stares. Good to know I can bring a case of Old Ruby Ale and know I am among friends.

The Hell-Cat review starts here

Label: Very, very boring. Simple as that, boring. It looks like a wine label…particularly an ol tawny port. I just can’t warm to this one.

I give it a label rating of 3 out of 10.

AROMA: Very hoppy, breathing enticing goodness straight up my nose holes.

Taste: GLASS – There’s a delicious caramelised, roasted flavour that rises up and belts you across the kisser on the first sip. It rolls across the tongue in gentle waves of smooth deliciousness. I am really loving this and find it incredibly flavourful. It’s delicious, sweet in flavour, and thoroughly enjoyable. Pass the Duchy on the left hand side indeed!

I give it a beer from glass rating of 8 out of 10.

Taste: BOTTLE – I would suggest you stick to the glass with this brew. The Old Ruby is still good but has an ever so slight watery after taste. It loses a little of the over all experience here and not quite the experience.

I give it a taste from bottle rating of 7 out of 10.

Song of choice: Try this along side Johnny Cash’s ‘One’

Accompanying food: I imagine this would be well suited to pork…pork with baked apple and roast vegies. Bring it.

Best season to appreciate: It’s quite a refreshing beer that is suiting this warm weather really well. But, I see it sitting more as a Winter warmer.

All-nighter beer? Yes! I could drink this all night (if it weren’t so expensive).

NEXT WEEK: TBC