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The Man of Kent Ale House (Free House)
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| Beer (sort) | Average Score (sort) | No. Samples (sort) |
|---|---|---|
| Larkins - Porter |  | 3 |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - OOOKS! | | 1 |
| Goacher's - Crown Imperial Stout | | 1 |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - DogBolter Dark Porter |  | 3 |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - Great Scot! | | 1 |
| Goacher's - 1066 Old Ale | | 4 |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - Seasider | | 1 |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - Dark Mild | | 1 |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - Dark Conspiracy | | 1 |
| Meantime - London Pale Ale |  | 2 |
| Nelson - Nelsons Blood | | 1 |
| Wantsum - 1381 | | 1 |
| Dartford Wobbler (re-named from Millis) - Thieves 'N' Fakirs | | 1 |
| Goacher's - Man O'Fest |  | 1 |
| Dartford Wobbler (re-named from Millis) - Hopping Haze | | 1 |
| Goacher's - Real Mild Ale | | 1 |
| Dartford Wobbler (re-named from Millis) - Old Kentish Ale | | 1 |
| Hopdaemon - Green Daemon | | 1 |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - 80/- | | 1 |
| Nelson - Powder Monkey | | 1 |
| Whitstable - Oyster Stout | | 1 |
| Nelson - Jammin' Jack |  | 1 |
| Dartford Wobbler (re-named from Millis) - Gravesend Guzzler | Not Tried | 0 |
| Nelson - Trafalgar Extra | Not Tried | 0 |
| Hopdaemon - Golden Braid | Not Tried | 0 |
| Larkins - Traditional | Not Tried | 0 |
| Whitstable - Cockle Warmer | Not Tried | 0 |
| Hopdaemon - Incubus | Not Tried | 0 |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - No. 3 | Not Tried | 0 |
| Goacher's - Fine Light Ale | Not Tried | 0 |
| Goacher's - Gold Star | Not Tried | 0 |
| Whitstable - East India Pale Ale (or EIPA) | Not Tried | 0 |
| Nelson - Nelson's IPA | Not Tried | 0 |
| Whitstable - Pearl of Kent | Not Tried | 0 |
| Hopdaemon - Skrimshander IPA | Not Tried | 0 |
Visits Details
23 Jan 2010 (Ian)
Now that the new High Speed 1 line is up and running, getting to Rochester from Ashford has gone from being an 80 minute hassle crossing Canterbury, to a very relaxed fast 50 minute journey via Ebbsfleet. The pub has the best line up of beers in Kent, if not in the tip top condition of The Butchers or the atmosphere of The Butchers or The Bull at Horton Kirby. To get Boon Kriek and Trappist Rochefort in bottle is a bonus as is the Kuppers Kolsch. Meantime Smoked Bock on tap was also very good.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goacher's - 1066 Old Ale | 6.70 | | Funnily not quite as good as at the Pig's Ear Beer Festival just before Xmas. Maybe just a touch warm on the bar, could do with having a couple of beer towels doused with cold water over it. Completely drinkable though, with great malts, good fruit and no hint of 6.7% ABV |
| Dartford Wobbler (re-named from Millis) - Old Kentish Ale | 4.80 | | Very dark brown, thin off whtie head. Sour cherry thing going on. Bit earthy, bit sour. Interesting. Earthy muddy aroma. Some hop on finish, some sour red fruits which are a bit like cherry. Interesting if not top drawer. |
| Meantime - London Pale Ale | 4.30 | | Earthy hop. Drinkable and likeable. Really good hops with are slightly earthy and stingy on the finish. Fine. |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - 80/- | 4.60 | | Beautiful very very dark brown colouur, lasting beige head. Decent malts, tastes a bit like a Caledonian beer. Soft in mouth, slightly sweet on the end. Good interpretation of the style. Little bit watery on finish. Some dry malt, like a malty cake on finish. Not much hop. OK. |
| Nelson - Jammin' Jack | 4.30 | | Gold, thin disappearing white head. Golden ale, touch of lime maybe. Yeast is a bit all over the place. Green apple and lime on aroma, and on finish, but not in a good way. |
23 Jan 2010 (Andrew)
What a great pub this is and especially so if you're a fan of Kent's brewers. Ian and I arrive late afternoon to find it busy, certainly busy enough for 3 beers to go off and 3 more to come on. We were there until about 7:30 during which time the crowd left, it was quiet for a bit and then a new crowd came in. Really enjoyed myself.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goacher's - 1066 Old Ale | 6.70 | | From a pin on the bar. No sourness which was a shame but rich, moreish, molasses, slightly burnt, bit of brown sugar and raisins. I stuck with this all night. |
| Goacher's - Man O'Fest | 3.90 | | This is too strong to be Goachers House Beer I think. It was quite dark and malty with hints of standard (i.e. great) Goachers' flavours. Not bad. |
| Hopdaemon - Incubus | 4.00 | Not Tried | |
| Goacher's - Gold Star | 5.10 | Not Tried | |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - No. 3 | 5.00 | Not Tried | |
| Whitstable - Oyster Stout | 4.50 | Not Tried | |
| Dartford Wobbler (re-named from Millis) - Old Kentish Ale | 4.80 | Not Tried | Had a few sips. Tomato vine, sharp, bit of sour. Not my cup of tea |
| Meantime - London Pale Ale | 4.30 | Not Tried | |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - 80/- | 4.60 | Not Tried | I tried a sip or 2 of this. Tasted like an authentic sweet, low hopped, grainy Scottish Heavy. |
| Wantsum - 1381 | 3.80 | Not Tried | |
| Nelson - Jammin' Jack | 4.30 | Not Tried |
11 Dec 2009 (Dosser)
Great Pub. After reading Blairs comments thought Id check it out. 10 real ales, great band playing and never been pub of the year? Only problem -too full! Beer selection as below.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Larkins - Porter | 5.20 | | Couldnt get me off this ! |
05 Dec 2009 (Blair)
We were in Rochester for the Dickens festival that was going on. Met a few old friends in here which was a pleasant surprise. Packed out with everyone having a great time, just a wonderful pub.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - DogBolter Dark Porter | 5.60 | | Rich and fruity with a nice hit of chocolate. |
| Wantsum - 1381 | 3.80 | | Earthy, grassy flavour to this one. I liked it, pretty impressive from such a new brewer. |
| Hopdaemon - Golden Braid | 3.70 | Not Tried | |
| Larkins - Traditional | 3.40 | Not Tried | |
| Goacher's - Gold Star | 5.10 | Not Tried | |
| Dartford Wobbler (re-named from Millis) - Gravesend Guzzler | 3.70 | Not Tried | |
| Meantime - London Pale Ale | 4.30 | Not Tried | |
| Whitstable - Cockle Warmer | 4.70 | Not Tried |
12 Nov 2009 (Blair)
This really is a phenomenal pub, possibly my favourite. A folk duo were playing tonight and they were pleasant to listen to. The lineup tonight was just ridiculous, nobody can compete with it!
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - DogBolter Dark Porter | 5.60 | | Only had time for a half unfortunately. This was stunning though, so rich and fruity it's impossibly to put it down. |
| Larkins - Porter | 5.20 | | Fantastic porter, a burned almost smoky taste to it. This is how dark beers should be made. |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - OOOKS! | 9.00 | | I had no idea this was available on cask anywhere, so I feel fairly privileged. Rich with lots of molasses maybe a little dates. Very complex and really drinkable for it's strength. |
| Meantime - London Pale Ale | 4.30 | | A good beer, but I actually think it's better in the bottle. Sweet and hoppy, very nice beer. |
| Goacher's - Fine Light Ale | 3.70 | Not Tried | |
| Goacher's - Gold Star | 5.10 | Not Tried | |
| Whitstable - Oyster Stout | 4.50 | Not Tried | |
| Dartford Wobbler (re-named from Millis) - Gravesend Guzzler | 3.70 | Not Tried | |
| Nelson - Trafalgar Extra | 5.00 | Not Tried | |
| Hopdaemon - Skrimshander IPA | 4.50 | Not Tried |
14 Mar 2009 (Blair)
It's becoming a bit of a habit of mine to have a stop off here to break up the journey home from London. This is a fantastic pub that attracts a very interesting mix of people. Brilliant.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goacher's - 1066 Old Ale | 6.70 | | My last pint of the night and I was a little bit scared of it. Very rich with molasses and fruitcake. Complex and intriguing old ale. Remember finishing it but then nothing until I woke up in the morning. |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - Great Scot! | 4.70 | | Light pale ale with a hefty peaty kick on the back end. Unique and interesting beer. |
| Goacher's - Real Mild Ale | 3.40 | | Malty with a bit of roasted malt. I was a tad disappointed, just a little thin in the mouth and lacking in flavour for me. Shame. |
| Goacher's - Fine Light Ale | 3.70 | Not Tried |
11 Dec 2008 (Blair)
I've managed to make it here twice in one week! Propped up the bar and listened to the band for a couple of hours then chatted to the landlord. What a pub!
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goacher's - 1066 Old Ale | 6.70 | | Now this is an old ale! Very rich, dominated by raisins and other dried fruit. Didn't notice the strength but I don't remember much after this pint. |
| Larkins - Porter | 5.20 | | This is what a porter should taste like! Lots of roasted malt and a little smoky, stunning beer. |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - DogBolter Dark Porter | 5.60 | | Very rich with lots of fruit and chocolate and a nice tartness. Great beer. |
| Nelson - Nelsons Blood | 6.00 | | Very heavy beer, lots of fruit and a little rum as well. |
| Dartford Wobbler (re-named from Millis) - Thieves 'N' Fakirs | 4.30 | | I really liked this. Smooth and chocolatey with a little fruit in the background. |
| Goacher's - Fine Light Ale | 3.70 | Not Tried | |
| Goacher's - Gold Star | 5.10 | Not Tried | |
| Whitstable - Oyster Stout | 4.50 | Not Tried | |
| Hopdaemon - Skrimshander IPA | 4.50 | Not Tried |
05 Dec 2008 (Blair)
After a disappointing venture into London we were all very happy to be back somewhere we know and love. We grabbed a seat by the bar and chatted to a bloke who was actually from Hackney about the beer festival we were just at. I think I may have had at least one too many as I don't actually remember leaving.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goacher's - Crown Imperial Stout | 4.50 | | Stunning beer, one of the best stouts I've tasted. Quite dry with a little coffee and maybe a little smoky. |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - Dark Conspiracy | 4.90 | | Great condition. Lively black beer with lots of chocolate and roasted malt. |
| Goacher's - Fine Light Ale | 3.70 | Not Tried | |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - Seasider | 4.30 | Not Tried |
09 Aug 2008 (Blair)
I couldn't just go through Rochester on the train and not stop here. I love this place. Great staff and great beer.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - Seasider | 4.30 | | Top pint of seasider. Light, hoppy with a nice underlying maltiness. |
| Nelson - Powder Monkey | 4.40 | | Not that great. Served well but not much going on other than it being overly sweet. |
| Goacher's - Fine Light Ale | 3.70 | Not Tried | |
| Goacher's - Gold Star | 5.10 | Not Tried | |
| Whitstable - Pearl of Kent | 4.50 | Not Tried |
13 Jun 2008 (Blair)
I love this pub! Shame it takes over an hour on the train to get here, but it's well worth it. Great atmosphere, great locals, great staff. Even tried to buy a t-shirt but they didn't have a small. Really lively with a realy good mix of people.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - Dark Mild | 4.00 | | Delicious pint. I love this beer, probably my favourite mild. Roasted malt and chocolate dominate. |
| Whitstable - Oyster Stout | 4.50 | | Not a fan of this beer, or this brewery for that matter. Very boring pint, little chocolate and coffee, but not enough to keep me interested. |
| Dartford Wobbler (re-named from Millis) - Hopping Haze | 4.10 | | Didn't really like this. Very fruity with a little sourness. Almost tasted like a cider. A strange one. |
| Hopdaemon - Green Daemon | 5.00 | | Not a great fan of this beer but I gave it one last chance. Incredibly fruity but not much else. Shame because I love the rest of the Hopdaemon range. |
| Goacher's - Fine Light Ale | 3.70 | Not Tried | |
| Goacher's - Gold Star | 5.10 | Not Tried | |
| Whitstable - East India Pale Ale (or EIPA) | 4.10 | Not Tried | |
| Nelson - Nelson's IPA | 4.80 | Not Tried |
About The Man of Kent Ale House
Summary of Beer Scores
| Total | |
|---|---|
| 18 |
| 57 |
| 47 |
| 23 |
| 3 |
The pub is found in Rochester, Kent, ME1 1YN.
A true boozer in the Troy Town area of the City. Plenty of seating ranging from tables and chairs to leather sofas but all with a old feel to them. 11 handpumps selling mainly Kentish beers and a gaggle of ciders (in boxes on the counter top) too. The pub encourages live music sessions. Magnificent outside Style & Winch front fascia signing has survived. Closed for holidays until 3rd November 2022.
We have visited this pub 54 times, seen 177 different beers and tried 91 of them.
Postcode: ME1 1YN