Harvey's Old Ale (or Sussex XXXX Old Ale)

Tasting Summary

These comments are the opinion of the individual reviewer and represent what they thought of the beer on a particular day in a particular pub. If a review is less favourable, it may be because the beer suffered somewhere in the supply chain between them and the brewery.

Two Sawyers, Woolage Green, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Jack William		17 Nov 2024
Jack William		25 Feb 2024	Warming pint in good nick.
Jack William		17 Dec 2023

Royal Oak, Borough, Central London

Who	Score	When	Notes
Hogan Sampling		16 Nov 2024	In very fine form was the head and lacing on this dark old ale. A dry, malty mouthfeel with a touch of flavouring from dried fruits and dates.
Philip Pirrip		02 Oct 2024	Top form, as said before a little sweeter than previous year's
Philip Pirrip		25 Sep 2024	The new batch for this autumn. Perhaps sweeter and fuller flavoured than of late
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	29 May 2024
Philip Pirrip		20 May 2024	Probably last cask of the season here
Wittenden	Not Tried	11 May 2024
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	07 May 2024
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	13 Apr 2024
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	06 Apr 2024
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	27 Mar 2024
Philip Pirrip		20 Feb 2024	Refreshing
Philip Pirrip		31 Jan 2024	First rate in every way and very refreshing in the balmy quiz night ambience of the pub
Magnus Greel		04 Dec 2023	A soft but hearty beer with a nutty palate
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	29 Nov 2023
Philip Pirrip		07 Oct 2023	More bitter than I expected and very full bodied. Hope it stays like this this winter
Philip Pirrip		31 May 2023	Lovely condition. Getting near end of the Old season but pub still has several more casks in the cellar
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	24 May 2023
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	29 Mar 2023
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	21 Mar 2023
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	04 Mar 2023
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	25 Jan 2023
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	09 Jan 2023
Philip Pirrip		28 Sep 2022	The best Harvey's Old I have had in many a year
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	24 Nov 2021
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	29 Jan 2020
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	20 Jan 2020
Philip Pirrip		26 Sep 2019	First rate. Sweeter and creamier than I recall in the past
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	25 Sep 2019	My first sighting of 2019
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	27 Mar 2019
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	30 Jan 2019
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	28 Nov 2018
Philip Pirrip		23 Oct 2018
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	12 Apr 2018
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	29 Mar 2018	Still hanging on nearly into April!
Philip Pirrip		31 Jan 2018
ChrisE		09 Dec 2017
ChrisE	Not Tried	16 Nov 2017	Selling well to our crowd.
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	31 Oct 2017
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	26 Jul 2017
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	30 Mar 2017
Stephen Harris		20 Jan 2017	A long-time favourite of mine, in faultless condition.
Philip Pirrip		30 Nov 2016
ChrisE	Not Tried	30 Jan 2016
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	27 Jan 2016
Philip Pirrip		25 Nov 2015	In fine silky smooth form
HSB	Not Tried	14 Nov 2015
Philip Pirrip		25 Mar 2015
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	17 Feb 2015
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	28 Jan 2015
Philip Pirrip		11 Dec 2014
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	26 Nov 2014
HSB	Not Tried	08 Nov 2014
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	03 Nov 2014
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	12 Apr 2014
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	26 Mar 2014
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	12 Feb 2014
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	29 Jan 2014
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	11 Dec 2013
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	28 Nov 2013
Philip Pirrip		09 Oct 2013	Blackboard described it as Old Ale Nouveau est arrivée and suggesting also trying a Mother-in-Law (Bitter and Old mixed)
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	11 Apr 2013
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	30 Mar 2013
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	16 Feb 2013
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	30 Jan 2013
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	03 Dec 2012
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	29 Nov 2012
Stephen Harris	Not Tried	08 Mar 2012
Martin the Mildman		25 Nov 2010	Well rounded malty ale with a dryish finish. My score 16/20.
Martin the Mildman		17 Dec 2009	Rich and malty with a little hoppiness in the finish. My score 16/20.
Ian		13 Oct 2009	End of barrel with diacetyl too. Not up to its usual high standards.
Blair	Not Tried	14 Mar 2009
Dubbel		05 Dec 2008	Great beer, dark, sweet with red malt tendencies and underlying fruitiness. Ideal winter concoction.
Ian		27 Nov 2008	Very tasty, drinkable grainy dark winter beer.
Ian		21 Oct 2008	Really quite soft as an old ale. Even quite hoppy, very soft, good malts. Harvey's yeast dominates, but unbelievably drinkable. Almost like a mild. but with hint of the sourness that will develop over the coming months.
Ian		09 Nov 2007	Superb, and I wanted to come back the next day to try it with maybe a hint of sourness, but never made it back.
Steve	Not Tried	03 Jul 2007
Ian		26 Jan 2007	I really love this beer and this slipped down within seconds. Lovely roasted malts.
Ian	Not Tried	29 Nov 2006

The Garland, Redhill, Surrey

Who	Score	When	Notes
Hogan Sampling	Not Tried	09 Nov 2024
Magnus Greel	Not Tried	20 Oct 2019
ChrisE		22 Feb 2018
ChrisE	Not Tried	24 Feb 2015
Stephen Harris	Not Tried	14 Dec 2013
Martin the Mildman		29 Nov 2012	Rich and full bodied with a really deep and complex malt flavour this season. Hop and fruit in the finish. My score 17/20.
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	06 Nov 2012
Martin the Mildman		15 Dec 2011	Top condition and flavour here. My score 17/20.
Martin the Mildman		23 Dec 2010	Superb sample of Old here too, complex malt and hop flavours combining to give a full flavoured dark delight. My score 17/20.
Martin the Mildman		26 Nov 2009	Also on top form, not a sweet as the mild but more malty flavours like toffee and liqourice and also some hop balance. My score 17/20.
Steve	Not Tried	08 Nov 2006

The Berry, Walmer, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Dosser		26 Oct 2024	Unusual find. Sweet. £4.70 a pint.
Magnus Greel	Not Tried	02 Feb 2022
Jack William	Not Tried	09 Jan 2018
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	03 Mar 2017
Mick	Not Tried	23 Dec 2015
Vacuous		29 Nov 2014	Dark and malty. Rich. In good order
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	10 Dec 2013	Already signed as coming on on Thursday
Ian	Not Tried	26 Oct 2013
Andrew		22 Dec 2012	I had 2 pints of this. Rich black berry soft beer.
Ian		16 Nov 2012	Dark some choc some Harvey's yeast character.
ChrisE	Not Tried	21 Dec 2011
Ian		19 Jan 2008	Lively, as the barman said. Very effervescent in mouth. Not at it's tip top best, but nice dark fruits/roast malt. Little nod towards the sour.

Rose & Crown, Burwash, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Wittenden	Not Tried	05 May 2024
Wittenden		03 Dec 2023	First sighting of this iconic autumnal hedgerow classic.
Andrew		04 May 2015	Top stuff in great condition.

Nelson Arms, Tonbridge, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Philip Pirrip		03 Apr 2024	Superbly balanced with lasting head and lacing
Ian		01 Dec 2023	Best I've ever had this beer

The George, Bethersden, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Andrew		06 Jan 2024	Outstandingly good.
Magnus Greel		08 Feb 2017	Wow blxxdy delicious and in purrfect nick. Superb!

The Plume of Feathers, Greenwich, Greater London

The Parsonage, Worthing, West Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Andrew		11 Nov 2023

Lord Nelson Inn, Brighton, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Magnus Greel		19 May 2023	Not the sickly gloop I was expecting for this easy drinking rich sweet nutty malty fare.
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	06 Feb 2020
Philip Pirrip		25 Nov 2019
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	12 Oct 2019
Andrew		10 Nov 2018	Blackcurrant and Sussex Best. Superb
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	14 Mar 2017
Andrew		08 Oct 2016	Fruity goodness
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	11 Mar 2016
Andrew		14 Nov 2015	Sweet malty ale. Low hop.
Andrew		26 Mar 2014	Old.
Philip Pirrip		03 Dec 2013	Not remarkable
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	30 Oct 2013
Andrew		26 Jan 2013
Andrew	Not Tried	06 Oct 2012
ChrisE	Not Tried	01 Apr 2011
Brian		23 Nov 2008	Black with thin bubbly head that quickly disappeared. Quite full in the mouth with a reasonable chocolatey sweetness. This had a sharp sour finish. I quite liked it.
Ian		03 Mar 2007	Lovely malts, slightly sweet fruit and that Harvey's yeasty aroma. Nice beer.
Ian		09 Nov 2006	Deep ruby, thin beige head. Harvey's yeast aroma. Bit of sour dark fruit. Drinkable in mouth. Some brown sugar. Very nice. Some good biting hop on end. Nice dark fruits in mouth. Very drinkable and slightly sweet.

The Rusty Bucket, Eltham, Greater London

Who	Score	When	Notes
Philip Pirrip		27 Jan 2023	Replacement ale was from a newly opened minikeg can - very fresh and acceptable but no way would want another

The New Inn, Canterbury, Kent

The Lamb, Eastbourne, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
ChrisE		10 Feb 2022	Harvey's Old at its best. We were told that this is the last cask of the season and it will be replaced by Harvey's Porter.
ChrisE		02 Mar 2020

Blythe Hill Tavern, Forest Hill, Greater London

Who	Score	When	Notes
Philip Pirrip		28 Jan 2022
Philip Pirrip		30 Jan 2020
Philip Pirrip		11 Dec 2019	Best Old I've had in a long time. Lingering sweet counterbalance

Robin Hood & Little John, Bexleyheath, Greater London

Who	Score	When	Notes
Philip Pirrip		04 Dec 2021	Great balance, slightly sweet

The Bricklayers Arms, Chipstead, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
ChrisE		23 Oct 2021

West End Tavern, Marden, Kent

The Harp, Charing Cross, Central London

Who	Score	When	Notes
Philip Pirrip		15 Feb 2020	Served in a handled jug for some unknown reason
Philip Pirrip		14 Dec 2019
Philip Pirrip		27 Feb 2019
Philip Pirrip		05 Jan 2019

The Red Lion, Stone Cross, East Sussex

The Grenadier, Hailsham, East Sussex

Rights of Man, Lewes, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Magnus Greel	Not Tried	07 Jan 2020
Philip Pirrip		31 Oct 2016
ChrisE	Not Tried	31 Mar 2015
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	09 Feb 2015
ChrisE	Not Tried	14 Mar 2014
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	12 Feb 2013

The Snowdrop Inn, Lewes, East Sussex

The Gardener's Arms, Lewes, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Magnus Greel	Not Tried	07 Jan 2020
ChrisE	Not Tried	17 Oct 2017
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	31 Oct 2016
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	07 Mar 2015
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	12 Feb 2013
Philip Pirrip		06 Oct 2012	First of the new brew for me
thebrewingman	Not Tried	10 Dec 2011
Andrew	Not Tried	14 Nov 2008

John Harvey Tavern, Lewes, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Magnus Greel	Not Tried	07 Jan 2020
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	12 Oct 2019
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	12 Oct 2019
ChrisE		17 Oct 2017	Gravity dispense and fresh with plenty of condition.
Philip Pirrip		31 Oct 2016	On gravity dispense
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	07 Mar 2015	From gravity cask
ChrisE	Not Tried	05 Mar 2015
Stephen Harris	Not Tried	05 Apr 2014
Eddie		02 Nov 2012	Now this is more like it wonderful full bodied ale displaying wonderful fruity notes great stuff :)
thebrewingman		10 Dec 2011
Pedro		20 Mar 2010
Andrew	Not Tried	14 Nov 2008	On gravity

The Brewers Arms, Lewes, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Magnus Greel	Not Tried	07 Jan 2020
thebrewingman		26 Feb 2011	As good as always.
Andrew	Not Tried	14 Nov 2008

The Dorset, Lewes, East Sussex

Blacksmiths Arms, Willesborough, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
ChrisE		06 Dec 2019	I was told that this is proving to be very popular here. A nice pint.

Hurst Arms, Eastbourne, East Sussex

King's Head, Hailsham, East Sussex

Elephants Head, Hook Green, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Trevor		03 Mar 2019	A very pleasant darkish ale in good condition
Andrew		26 Dec 2006	Dark ruby coloured beer. Burnt sugar flavours with some red fruit and that unmistakable Harvey's yeast. No sourness though which I always though was a defining feature of an old ale. Oh well.

The Cat Inn, West Hoathly, West Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Wittenden		17 Feb 2019	First sighting of this,this winter.Silky,hedgerow berries.Superb.
Wittenden		04 Dec 2016	Dark, cosy,sinful wintry delight.
Wittenden		01 Mar 2015	Best Harvey's Old I've had in ages.Luscious chocolate and raspberries.
Wittenden		08 Mar 2014	Dark and luscious.A proper chocolaty dark 'un.

Waterloo Tap, Waterloo, Central London

31st Dorchester Beerex 2019, Dorchester, Dorset

The Pilot, Maidstone, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
ChrisE		28 Jan 2019
ChrisE	Not Tried	16 Jan 2019
Tobes		26 Sep 2015
Archie14	Not Tried	12 Apr 2014
ChrisE		07 Dec 2013
Pedro		31 Jan 2013	Stayed on this one!
Alenomore		31 Dec 2012	Down with Old Ale and in with the New Year!
Alenomore		28 Dec 2012	Heaven in a glass. A proper Harvey's tankard in fact?
Alenomore		26 Dec 2012	A truly nice ale. Stayed on this one.
Alenomore		15 Dec 2012	Heaven in a glass tonite...
Alenomore		14 Dec 2012	Spot on. Could stay on this all night!
Alenomore		09 Dec 2012	An excellant winter ale.
Pedro		01 Dec 2012
Alenomore		01 Dec 2012	Another top ale.
Alenomore		28 Oct 2012	Spot on. Two pints today.
Alenomore		20 Oct 2012
Alenomore		14 Oct 2012	Spot on again.
Pedro		07 Apr 2012
Pedro		13 Mar 2012
Pedro		04 Mar 2012
Pedro		19 Feb 2012
Pedro	Not Tried	10 Feb 2012
Alenomore		29 Dec 2011
ChrisE	Not Tried	23 Dec 2011
Alenomore		27 Nov 2011	One of Harvey's best ales.
Alenomore	Not Tried	25 Nov 2011
Alenomore	Not Tried	19 Nov 2011
Pedro		26 Oct 2011
Pedro	Not Tried	23 Oct 2011
Pedro	Not Tried	14 Apr 2011
Pedro	Not Tried	25 Feb 2011
Ian		16 Oct 2010	Very fresh. Decent flavours, but lacked a bit of character that it will develop in the next few weeks.
Alenomore		03 Oct 2010	This is superb, there seasonal for the autumn. An excellent dark and delicious ale.
Ian	Not Tried	13 Feb 2010
Pedro		06 Jan 2010
Ian	Not Tried	14 Feb 2009
Ian	Not Tried	09 Dec 2006

The Tyler's Kiln, Tyler Hill, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Andrew		05 Jan 2019	Really good stuff.

The Park Tavern, Eltham, Greater London

Who	Score	When	Notes
Philip Pirrip		24 Nov 2018	The fobbing on initial pump pulls and the metallic taste imply this had been in the pipes a while

Three Chimneys, Biddenden, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Wittenden		18 Dec 2017	Just the stuff for a frosty night.Hedgerow berries,gentle hops.£4.50 a pint, alas.
Wittenden	Not Tried	20 Nov 2014
Wittenden		08 Nov 2014	Lovely dark 'un. Plums and liquorice. Long dry finish.

The Cat's Back, Wandsworth, Greater London

Who	Score	When	Notes
ChrisE	Not Tried	04 Dec 2017
ChrisE		02 Dec 2013

The Dolphin, Hastings, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Andrew		18 Nov 2017	Perfect sweet
Pedro		19 Nov 2011

The Dinkum, Polegate, East Sussex

Planet Thanet Easter Beer Festival 2017, Margate, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Andrew		14 Apr 2017	Lovely dry mouth feel with the taste of plums.

The Mitre Tavern, Brighton, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
ChrisE	Not Tried	09 Apr 2017
Martin the Mildman		17 Nov 2011	Excellent condition here, sweet malts balanced by some hoppiness and a lingering roasty finish. My score 17/20.

The Alma Arms, Uckfield, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
ChrisE	Not Tried	03 Mar 2017
Stephen Harris		26 Nov 2016	A classic Old Ale.
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	20 Mar 2014
ChrisE	Not Tried	14 Mar 2014

The Star, Rolvenden, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
ChrisE		11 Feb 2017
Wittenden	Not Tried	21 Nov 2015	Very tempting.
ChrisE		19 Nov 2015

The Bull Inn, Benenden, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Wittenden		12 Nov 2016	Lovely dark grown up ardent beer.

Pelt Trader, City, Central London

The Fat Cat, Norwich, Norfolk

Who	Score	When	Notes
Andrew		11 Jun 2016	Not really in good condition.

Victoria Hotel, Eastbourne, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Mitch	Not Tried	09 Feb 2016
Dosser		26 Jan 2013

The Royal Oak, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
thebrewingman		19 Jan 2016
thebrewingman		04 Feb 2015	So good we had to have another just to check

The White Rock Hotel, Hastings, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Stephen Harris	Not Tried	20 Dec 2015
thebrewingman		01 Mar 2012
thebrewingman		22 Jan 2010	In superb condition. I thought there was a hole in my glass.
Ian	Not Tried	14 Nov 2008
Andrew	Not Tried	14 Nov 2008

The Cyclist, Brighton, East Sussex

The Odd One Out, Colchester, Essex

The Fountain, Cowden, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
thebrewingman		21 Feb 2015

Swan Inn, Southover, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Philip Pirrip		09 Feb 2015	My colleague and I agreed this was the best Harveys Old we had drunk for some time
ChrisE		26 Jan 2015

Plough, Plumpton Green, East Sussex

The Griffin Inn, Fletching, East Sussex

Gardeners Arms, Sompting, West Sussex

The Pig & Butcher, Five Ash Down, East Sussex

The Two Brewers, Hadlow, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
HSB		16 Oct 2013
oz11	Not Tried	29 Jan 2012
oz11		11 Dec 2011
oz11	Not Tried	27 Nov 2011
oz11	Not Tried	23 Oct 2011
oz11		09 Oct 2011
oz11		02 Oct 2011
oz11	Not Tried	08 May 2011

Six Bells, Woodchurch, Kent

The Hatch Inn, Colemans Hatch, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Trevor		26 Dec 2012	A very pleasant dark ale which even my brother-in-law went for and liked.
Trevor		26 Nov 2011	I really enjoyed this dark ale.

New Inn, Hadlow Down, East Sussex

The Bell, Ticehurst, East Sussex

King's Head, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

The British Queen, Lower Willingdon, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Dosser		11 Dec 2011

Stile Bridge, Marden, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Pedro	Not Tried	10 Dec 2011	Will be a regular now for the rest of it's season !
Pedro		08 Dec 2011
Pedro		13 Jan 2011	So good I had a second !
Pedro	Not Tried	28 Dec 2010

The Buckingham Arms, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex

The Bull's Head, Boreham Street, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
thebrewingman		25 Oct 2011

Cricketers Arms, Berwick Village, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Wittenden		12 Mar 2011	I hadn't tried this in ages, and it seems better than I remember. Dark, mellow and reassuring.

The Wenlock Arms, Hoxton, Central London

Who	Score	When	Notes
Martin the Mildman		05 Oct 2010	Rich and fruity with a good malty kick. My score 16/20.
Andrew	Not Tried	20 Nov 2006

Brecknock Arms, Bells Yew Green, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Martin the Mildman		28 Jan 2010	Superb quality here, brimming with malty flavours and good hop notes in the background to balance the flavours. Good long sweetish malty finish. My score 17/20.

The Butchers Arms, Herne, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Ken		05 Jan 2010	Harvey's Best come of age
Glyn		06 Jan 2009	Quite distinctive taste and dark in colour

Plough and Harrow, Litlington, East Sussex

The White Horse, Parsons Green, Greater London

Trevor Arms, Glynde, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Andrew		14 Nov 2008	Slightly sour red cherry and plum flesh. Give it a bit longer to develop more sourness and it'll be a 5 out of 5.
Ian		14 Nov 2008	Just right level of toast, plum, dark cherry fruit.

The Market Porter, Southwark, Central London

The Union Inn, Rye, East Sussex