Larkins Traditional

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.

Leicester Arms Hotel, Penshurst, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Stephen Harris		17 Jun 2019	Spot-on Bitter.
Wittenden		01 Jan 2019	A bit on the cold side.
Wittenden		30 Dec 2015	Incredibly fresh and luscious toffeeish. Best Traditional I've had this year.

The Rock, Chiddingstone Hoath, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Wittenden		16 Jun 2019	Fine.
thebrewingman	Not Tried	21 Feb 2015
Wittenden	Not Tried	03 Jan 2015
James		22 Nov 2008	A lovely fresh tasting pint with a very hoppy finish.
Mick		14 Jun 2008	Exceptional pint of Traditional, faint citrus and bursting with freshness. Hard to believe it's only 3.4%
Andrew	Not Tried	10 Feb 2007
Andrew		03 Oct 2004	Superb pint of traditional

The Bull Inn, Benenden, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Wittenden	Not Tried	08 Jun 2019
Wittenden	Not Tried	25 May 2019
Wittenden		23 Mar 2019	Nutty.
Wittenden		02 Mar 2019	Trad as it should be: mellow toffee.Grand.
Wittenden	Not Tried	22 Dec 2018
Wittenden	Not Tried	10 Nov 2018
Wittenden		12 Aug 2018	Not as mellow as I've come to expect.
Wittenden	Not Tried	09 Jun 2018
Wittenden	Not Tried	28 May 2018
Wittenden	Not Tried	28 Apr 2018
Wittenden		23 Mar 2018	A cracking pint of Traditional.The hoppiness of the previously consumed Hophead served to bring out the toffee and vanilla notes.Classic.
Wittenden	Not Tried	02 Sep 2017
Wittenden	Not Tried	12 Aug 2017
Wittenden		14 May 2017	A bit cold.Brittle,not chewy, toffee.
Wittenden	Not Tried	15 Apr 2017
Wittenden	Not Tried	18 Feb 2017
Wittenden	Not Tried	03 Dec 2016
Wittenden	Not Tried	12 Nov 2016
Wittenden		17 Sep 2016	A touch on the ardent side, the toffee was struggling to get through.
Wittenden		28 May 2016	At first I wasn't too sure:seems much hoppier than last time,but then a burst of summer herbs. Different,less toffee, but still Larkins.
Wittenden		19 Dec 2015	Earthy and toffeeish, grand.
Wittenden		05 Sep 2015	Earthy,more hops than toffee.
Wittenden	Not Tried	18 Jul 2015
Wittenden	Not Tried	20 Jun 2015
Wittenden	Not Tried	28 Mar 2015
Magnus Greel	Not Tried	11 Jan 2015
Wittenden	Not Tried	20 Dec 2014
Wittenden		28 Jun 2014	Grand Larkins:raspberries and black pepper.Hint of the trademark toffee.
Dosser	Not Tried	07 Jun 2014
Pedro		08 Aug 2013
Wittenden		22 Jun 2013	Toffeeish:so much flavour for a low ABV. Grand.
Pedro	Not Tried	12 Jan 2013
Wittenden	Not Tried	02 Dec 2012
Wittenden		01 Dec 2012	Some said it was "a bit flat", I found it fine, with that lovely toffee quality.
Wittenden	Not Tried	25 Nov 2012
Wittenden		17 Nov 2012	A bit hoppier than I remember it,those toffeeish malts not so much to the fore.Still one of my favourite Kent beers.
Pedro	Not Tried	01 Nov 2012
Wittenden		25 Feb 2012	A sublime beer today at its toffeeish best. Bitter depths and a freshness of green apples at the finish. My ideal session bitter.
Wittenden		03 Dec 2011	Wonderful brown malty bitter.Earty hops. Great depth for such a modest ABV. As good as ever it was.Toffeeish:probably my ideal session bitter.
thebrewingman		24 Aug 2011
Wittenden	Not Tried	12 Feb 2011
Wittenden		02 Jan 2011	First pints from the barrel.Very drinkable, but I'm sure it isn't as moreishly toffeeish as it was a while ago.
BF	Not Tried	11 Sep 2010
Pedro	Not Tried	03 Jun 2010
Magnus Greel		28 May 2010
ChrisE		28 May 2010	A good session beer.
thebrewingman	Not Tried	07 May 2010
ChrisE		12 Apr 2010
Magnus Greel		12 Apr 2010
Wittenden	Not Tried	16 Jan 2010
Wittenden		19 Dec 2009	I came in the hope of finding Larkins Porter, but this banished any disappointment in its non appearance:satisfyingly hoppy, with a seasonal fruitiness. Probably my favourite "brown" bitter.
Andrew		14 Jun 2006	Lots of rich malt and that typical Larkin's syrupyness.

The Ragged Trousers, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Tobes	Not Tried	11 May 2019
Stephen Harris	Not Tried	21 Oct 2018
Martin the Mildman		31 Jul 2012	I think this had seen better days, have had better than this sample. Very little flavour of anything really. My score 14/20.
Pedro		26 Feb 2011

Larkins' Alehouse, Cranbrook, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Wittenden	Not Tried	04 May 2019
Wittenden	Not Tried	13 Apr 2019
Wittenden	Not Tried	02 Mar 2019
Wittenden	Not Tried	16 Feb 2019
Wittenden	Not Tried	26 Jan 2019
Wittenden	Not Tried	12 Jan 2019
Wittenden	Not Tried	01 Dec 2018
Wittenden	Not Tried	10 Nov 2018
Wittenden	Not Tried	20 Oct 2018
Wittenden	Not Tried	29 Sep 2018
Wittenden	Not Tried	01 Sep 2018
Wittenden	Not Tried	04 Aug 2018
Wittenden	Not Tried	16 Jun 2018
Wittenden	Not Tried	27 May 2018
Wittenden	Not Tried	20 May 2018
Wittenden	Not Tried	05 May 2018
Wittenden	Not Tried	15 Feb 2018
Wittenden		01 Feb 2018	Pretty much the best Trad I've had for a long time:delicious.
Wittenden	Not Tried	23 Dec 2017
Wittenden	Not Tried	15 Dec 2017
Wittenden	Not Tried	02 Dec 2017
Wittenden	Not Tried	25 Nov 2017
Wittenden	Not Tried	11 Nov 2017
Philip Pirrip		11 Nov 2017	Long time since I have any Larkins. This was rather bland but low abv may have contributed
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	11 Nov 2017
Wittenden	Not Tried	07 Oct 2017

Castle Inn, Chiddingstone, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Jack William		10 Mar 2019	Nice, fruity flavour - hint of peach?
Wittenden	Not Tried	06 Feb 2016
Wittenden		22 Aug 2015	Ah, Larkins ,in the home of Larkins.Toffee and loam.
Wittenden		03 Jan 2015	Earthily toffeeish.
Wittenden		29 Nov 2014	A toffeeish autumnal classic.
Blair		26 Oct 2014
Wittenden		06 Sep 2014	Delightful, though a bit more flinty than flowery.Toffee still there.
Edbeck		31 May 2014
Andrew		10 Feb 2007	Smelt of raspberry and stawberry. Soft mouth feel with good red berry flavours and some milky hops

The Cat Inn, West Hoathly, West Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Wittenden	Not Tried	17 Feb 2019
Wittenden		04 Dec 2016	Ideal autumnal session beer,Hedge fruit. Bit cold.
Wittenden		01 Mar 2015	Trad at its toffeish farmyard best.
Wittenden	Not Tried	22 Nov 2014	Very tempted, but only time for one.
Wittenden		08 Mar 2014	Lovely session bitter:not as toffeeish as usual.

The Bottle House, Smarts Hill, Penshurst, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Wittenden		02 Feb 2019	Almost there!

Ypres Castle Inn, Rye, East Sussex

The Hatch Inn, Colemans Hatch, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Magnus Greel	Not Tried	02 Aug 2018
Trevor	Not Tried	26 Dec 2012
Andrew		28 Aug 2011	In good condition but no flavours. Where's the toffee gone?
Andrew		26 Dec 2004	Slightly more syrupy than usual but still a very good pint of beer.

The Real Ale Way, Hayes (SE London), Greater London

Who	Score	When	Notes
Philip Pirrip		01 Aug 2018

The Crown Inn, Groombridge, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Wittenden		30 Jun 2018	Probably the best Trad I've ever drunk.Sat outside,all that Chiddingstone goodness was released.Epic.

The Vine Goudhurst, Goudhurst, Kent

Anchor Inn, Hartfield, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Wittenden		30 Sep 2017	Leafy hops. Harsher than I remember it.

Queens Arms, Cowden Pound, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Alenomore	Not Tried	13 Mar 2016	Selling well. The 'safe' choice for the locals, male and female alike!
thebrewingman		21 Feb 2015
ChrisE		09 Feb 2015
ChrisE		09 Aug 2014	A good tasty traditional pint.

The Laughing Fish, Isfield, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
HSB	Not Tried	20 Aug 2015
HSB		20 Aug 2015	I haven't had a Larkin's beer for years.

The Royal Oak, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
thebrewingman		10 Mar 2015
thebrewingman	Not Tried	04 Feb 2015
thebrewingman		01 Jun 2011
BF	Not Tried	20 Sep 2010
Ian		15 Jan 2010	Always surprised how good this is. Great bitter, with lovely finishing satsuma hops. Good bitterness for a 3.4% beer.
thebrewingman	Not Tried	13 Jan 2010
JeffnJo	Not Tried	14 Feb 2009
JeffnJo	Not Tried	10 Feb 2009

The Padwell Arms, Seal, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Tobes	Not Tried	20 Feb 2015
Tobes	Not Tried	30 Nov 2013
Tobes		22 Nov 2013
Tobes	Not Tried	08 Nov 2013
Tobes	Not Tried	18 Oct 2013
Tobes	Not Tried	02 Aug 2013
Martin the Mildman		25 Aug 2011	Good bitterness despite not being particularly hoppy. Fairly dry finish. A little hazy. My score 15/20 with B for quality.
Sessionstar		25 Aug 2011	This did not stand up to the other beers. It was just ordinary in comparison, totally outshone. I spoke to one of the regulars and he told me that this was the only beer that the new management had kept on following protests from the regulars when it was dropped. I hope the newbies manage to re-educate the locals, they are making a damned good effort !
Pedro		11 Aug 2011
Wittenden		06 Feb 2009	The more I drink this, the more I like it, as a traditional flavoursome Kent bitter.As mentioned above, it was very cold due to the snow,but the hops shone through, but not masking the depth of body.Tawny in colour-a proper beer colour!

The Windmill, Sevenoaks Weald, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
thebrewingman	Not Tried	04 Nov 2014
ChrisE		23 Aug 2014	A bit disappointing.
ChrisE		01 Jul 2014	A good start to the day.
thebrewingman	Not Tried	04 Jun 2014
thebrewingman	Not Tried	11 Apr 2014
thebrewingman		07 Dec 2013	On good form.
thebrewingman	Not Tried	10 Nov 2013
thebrewingman		13 Jan 2013	A superb bitter when in good condition like here.

One Inn The Wood, Petts Wood, Greater London

Black Horse, Stansted, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
HSB		16 Nov 2013	Not a beer I often encounter. Good English bitter.
Ian		16 Dec 2006	Suppable bitter

The Fox & Hounds, Romney Street, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Edbeck		24 Sep 2013	As with the Coppertop perfectly drinkable but it has tasted better elsewhere

Good Intent, West Farleigh, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Pedro	Not Tried	23 Aug 2013
Pedro		22 Dec 2012
Pedro		15 Jul 2012
Pedro		24 Nov 2011
Pedro		21 Aug 2011	Very good was group decision !

Rose & Crown, Halstead, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Pedro	Not Tried	02 Aug 2013
Pedro		25 Jan 2013
Pedro	Not Tried	02 Nov 2012
Pedro		27 Jul 2012
Pedro		30 Apr 2012
Pedro	Not Tried	27 Jan 2012
Pedro	Not Tried	25 Nov 2011	ran out when ordered
Pedro	Not Tried	28 Oct 2011
Pedro	Not Tried	29 Jul 2011
ChrisE	Not Tried	11 May 2011
Magnus Greel		11 May 2011
Pedro	Not Tried	03 May 2011
Pedro	Not Tried	01 Feb 2011
Pedro	Not Tried	08 Nov 2010
Pedro	Not Tried	02 Aug 2010
Pedro	Not Tried	19 Jun 2010
Pedro	Not Tried	09 Nov 2009
Dubbel	Not Tried	29 Jul 2009
Dubbel	Not Tried	21 Jul 2009
Dubbel	Not Tried	22 Jun 2009
Dubbel	Not Tried	19 Jun 2009
Dubbel	Not Tried	08 Mar 2009
Dubbel	Not Tried	27 Feb 2009
Dubbel	Not Tried	20 Feb 2009
Dubbel	Not Tried	14 Feb 2009
Dubbel	Not Tried	19 Dec 2008
Dubbel	Not Tried	12 Dec 2008	House beer
Andrew		09 Jun 2007	Fine but a bit of marmite on the bite. Some red fruit and a pleasant enough earthy hop but I've had better.
Ian		16 Dec 2006	Tea flavoured bitter, some nice hop, very suppable bitter.

The Kentish Horse, Markbeech, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Edbeck		13 Jul 2013	Although there is always Harveys available I stick with the Larkins as it is consistently good and rarer to find elsewhere. Good flavour for a weak beer

Kent County Cricket Tunbridge Wells - CAMRA Beer Tent, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
oz11		02 Jun 2013

Crabble Corn Mill Beer Festival 2013, Dover, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Mick		24 May 2013	Lovely full bodied bitter, tastes more than a 3.4. Bob still making super beers.

Earl of Clarendon, Sandgate, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
ChrisE		16 Apr 2013	A good traditional session bitter, lovely.

Smugglers Ale House (formerly The Black Pig), Hawkhurst, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Pedro	Not Tried	06 Dec 2012
Wittenden	Not Tried	04 Jun 2012
Wittenden		27 May 2012	So much flavour :nutty and toffeeish-ideal.
thebrewingman		11 May 2012	Just what a session bitter should be like.
thebrewingman	Not Tried	03 Apr 2012
Pedro	Not Tried	28 Jul 2011
Wittenden		24 Jul 2011	Not actually tried in the pub, but from their event bar, one of those iconic french vans made from corrugated iron,which was doing a brisk trade at the Market on the Moor, just up the road.Larkin's seems to be back to their glory days, with a wonderful toffeish taste.One of my favourite brown beers!
Pedro		10 Mar 2011
thebrewingman		06 Mar 2011

The Royal Oak, Mersham, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
ChrisE		05 Oct 2012

Leas Lift Beer Festival, Folkestone, Kent

Mote Park Beer Festival 2012, Maidstone, Kent

The Chequers, Laddingford, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Pedro		28 Apr 2012
Alenomore	Not Tried	24 Apr 2010

Greyhound, Charcott, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Pedro		27 Aug 2011

The Three Mariners, Hythe, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Ian		28 May 2011	My favourite 3.4% abv beer in the world. Surprisingly full in the mouth and bitter on the finish

The Butchers Arms, Herne, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Ken		22 May 2011	Fresh, bright and very more-ish. Everything you'd expect when Kent's finest brewer meets Kent's finest host.
Mick		21 May 2011	Smooth, excellent balance of malt and hops, hard to believe it's only 3.4%, Very drinkable.
Mick		15 Jul 2009	A good pint, mellow and smooth, the first pint from the cask,no outstanding flavours but tasted better after each pint. Very nice for a 3.4%. Could have drunk several more.
Mick		28 May 2009	Superb, a golden/copper bitter, tastes more like a 4%. Tastes better with each pint, a good session bitter.
Glyn		26 May 2009	Great session bitter, with clean crisp taste
Blair		31 May 2008	Clear copper coloured beer, little bit of toffee and citrus. Quite nice.

Hever Castle Golf Club, Hever, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Pedro		29 Mar 2011	Although a little cold, but suspect that's why it was still tasting good

Bull Inn, West Malling, Kent

The Spotted Dog, Smarts Hill, Penshurst, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Wittenden		28 Aug 2010	This didn't seem to be the Traditonal that I remember: the toffee notes were replaced by a sharper edge-I don't think it was off, but a disappointment, as I really like this beer usually.
Andrew		19 Jul 2010	Reasonable condition but none of the toffee I remember this beer having.

The Man of Kent Ale House, Rochester, Kent

Kent Beer Festival 2007, Canterbury, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Andrew		21 Jul 2007	It was drinkable but I've had this loads of time and this outing tasted nothing like the real thing

Kent Beer Festival 2006, Canterbury, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Andrew		22 Jul 2006	Yeasty and not really ready

The Beacon, Rusthall, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Ian		29 May 2006	Copper colour with lasting off white head. The amount of flavour in this belies the 3.4% ABV. The tangy citrus hop on end is excellent. Could drink pints of the stuff. Easy drinking session bitter, but with intense hop that isn't let down by the malt.

The Lobster Pot, West Malling, Kent

Kent Beer Festival 2005, Canterbury, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Andrew		22 Jul 2005	Normally this has a wonderfull syrup hop tasted to it but today it was just liverly