Adnams Broadside
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Tasting Notes
The aroma opens with dark dried fruit — raisins, prunes, a hint of toffee — backed by an earthy, slightly herbal hop character that's distinctly English. On the palate it's full-bodied and malt-forward, with rich caramel and dark fruit flavors undercut by a firm bitterness that keeps things from tipping into sweetness. The finish is long and dry, with a lingering roasted note and a faintly woody edge. It drinks with more weight than its moderate strength suggests.
About the Brewery
Adnams is based in Southwold, Suffolk, on the English coast, and has been brewing there since 1872. They're one of Britain's most respected traditional regional brewers, known for producing ales that reflect the character of East Anglian malts and whole-cone hops. Alongside their classic cask ales, they've expanded into spirits distilling and have a strong presence in the UK pub and off-trade market. Their brewing water, drawn from local wells, is often cited as a defining influence on the beer's character.
Food Pairings
Roast beef works well here because the beer's caramel malt mirrors the savory crust and fat of the meat. A sharp, aged cheddar plays against the bitterness and amplifies the ale's nutty undertones. Braised lamb or a slow-cooked stew pairs naturally because the dark fruit notes in the beer echo the depth of long-cooked meat. A slice of game pie — venison or pheasant — suits the earthy hop character. For something simpler, a strong blue cheese like Stilton holds its own against the body and bitterness without being overwhelmed.
Style Guide
English Strong Ale sits between an ordinary bitter and a barleywine in terms of weight and complexity, typically ranging from roughly 5.5% to 7.5% ABV. The style is defined by prominent malt character — caramel, toffee, dried fruit — balanced by the earthy, resinous bitterness of traditional English hops rather than the bright citrus of American varieties. It overlaps with old ale in some interpretations, but generally carries less sweetness and more hop presence than that category. The style is rooted in British brewing tradition and represents the kind of substantial pub ale historically brewed for colder months or celebratory occasions.