Hockley Gold

old faithful · Post by **old faithful** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 6:46 pm

Just picked up some Hockley Gold, produced on January 16 (date is on a small paper label on the undersigned of the can).

In the past, I've been disappointed by this beer. Unlike the great Hockely Dark it seemed insipid and sometimes dusty-tasting.

Well, what I am drinking now is very good indeed, the freshness really picks up the beer. But the big surprise for me is the big layered, lemony flavour of Goldings that hangs over this brew. It is like drinking a southern English cask bitter, Young's Ordinary or a stronger version of Chiswick Bitter, say - it really is in that class.

I feel sad to see people order in bars keg English beers which are a pale imitation of the real thing - we have it right here (and not just the Hockley Gold, but it is a fine example).

Gary

runes · Post by **runes** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 9:48 pm

i really enjoyed the dark (only had it in a can and considering going for the bottle) so i'll keep my eyes open for this. can, bottle?

old faithful · Post by **old faithful** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 7:23 am

It is in a can, white can. It's been available for a while in that format but is showing at its best due to the pronounced freshness of this sample and the liberal English hop addition. Excellent English-styled beer, I am getting more tonight, that plus Staropramen in the can.

Gary

pootz · Post by **pootz** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 10:53 am

I have never been partial to the Hockley gold....too sweet and reminds me of the lager-like golden ales of the mega brewers. I'll stick with the very excellent Hockley dark.

old faithful · Post by **old faithful** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 4:08 pm

Hmm, you may want to give the January 16 one a try, the Goldings taste is very evident and balances the malt very well, I wonder if the beer has undergone an upgrade.

Gary

pootz · Post by **pootz** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 2:45 pm

old faithful wrote:Hmm, you may want to give the January 16 one a try, the Goldings taste is very evident and balances the malt very well, I wonder if the beer has undergone an upgrade.

Gary

I always sample micos I have not taken too from time to time because changes do occur... but from what the brewer has told me this one was specifically crafted for mass tastes. I can give it a go again but I'll have to wait till I get a single right at the brewery..probably sping...I won't put out for a six from the LCBO.

old faithful · Post by **old faithful** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 3:07 pm

Understand, but we can buy it in singles in TO.

Gary

midlife crisis · Post by **midlife crisis** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 7:34 pm

Gary's post prompted me to buy a sixer of this (the smaller cans) from Wilson/Dufferin LCBO. Mine are dated Feb 14/07, so very fresh indeed. I find it to be quite enjoyable, not for the dedicated hop-head perhaps but very drinkable with decent hops balancing sweet, fresh malt. I tend to buy Hockley Gold once a year in the summer as an easy "by the lake" kind of beer (being one of the few local micros in cans has been a big positive for that purpose too). But I agree with Gary that this current sample is Hockley Gold at its best. It reminds me, in the hopping, of Sleeman IPA. I realize that is faint praise to some, but I am finding it quite enjoyable.