Not many brewerys make big bottles of ale. Sometimes it is just as well. Imagine working your way through 750ml of Caledonian or Youngs Ale.. erghh!

But Morland Old Speckled Hen – is definitely an ale that is great in big bottles. Simply because it is a bloody good ale. I like it on the pumps – and I like it just as much from the bottle.

Morland say “Old Speckled Hen is a finely balanced and deliciously smooth ale with a distinctive character and subtle blend of flavours. Its rich colour and superb frutiy aromas are complemented by a blend of rich malty tastes.

I don’t really have to say much more that – “I agree”. It is a very nice ale indeed – coming in at 5.2% – with the 750ml bottle coming in at 3.9 units a pop.

I’m not convinced that their recommendation that the ale “.. is an ideal accompaniment for full flavoured foods such as game, poultry and roasts, and is unbeatable with cured meats and mature cheeses.” – but that is because I like my wine – and somehow I am sure that a ’2002 Chateauneuf Du Pape’ would be much better with any cheese or cured meat.

That aside, I really like this one. It is up there with my favourites of Landlord, Broadside, Golden Pride and maybe Old Peculiar.

Hmmmmm.