I have a tendency not to get too excited about beer festivals any more, and I think one of the reasons is that some of the people I used to enjoy attending festivals with are no longer here.
An email from Robinsons brought one of these to mind. Graham was an old school real ale devotee, as well as keen walker and ornothologist. But his festival MO was one I’ve never seen anyone else repeat. Start high ABV and work down.
The Robinsons email brought Graham to mind because if, it was on the bill of fare, and if indeed it was ‘top of the shop’, he would plump for Old Tom, presumably because it was from his part of the world.
Old Tom is an 8.5% ABV strong ale, a barley wine, which first went on sale in 1899. It was named after the brewery cat of the time, sketched into immortality by the then head brewer.
My own notes record that it’s “very, very deep red, with a thick off-white head that lingers well, rich and malty on the nose, almost with a sense that it has been barrel aged. A very intriguing, deep, complex aroma. That complexity manifests itself on the palate with spicy, woody notes, molasses, coffee, some vanilla. The body is smooth and there’s a nice warmth on the finish.”
To mark its 125th anniversary, Robinsons is asking drinkers to share their memories of Old Tom. “We want our celebrations to feature the people who’ve enabled Old Tom to continue its legacy year after year,” says the brewer. “From tales about your grandparents to first-hand memories, we’d love to hear what makes Old Tom so special to you.
“Whether you’re partial to a half at the bar, you purchase a few bottles from the supermarket, or you’ve enjoyed a bottle in the hotel room of one of our pubs, we can’t wait to hear your memories.”
Submit your thoughts here for the chance to feature in Robinsons’ Old Tom campaign, be invited to an exclusive Old Tom party, and be in with the chance to win a limited edition case of beer.
