Young's Special London Ale
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Tasting Notes
The aroma leads with English Fuggles and Goldings hops — earthy, slightly floral, with a dry biscuit malt backbone underneath. On the palate, there's a firm bitterness that's assertive without being aggressive, balanced by toffee and lightly toasted grain sweetness. The body is medium and rounded, characteristic of the style, with a notable weight given the 6.4% ABV — higher than most English pale ales, which adds a warming depth. The finish is dry and hoppy, lingering pleasantly without cloying sweetness.
About the Brewery
Young's was founded in 1831 and operated the Ram Brewery in Wandsworth, London, one of the oldest brewery sites in England. The brewery stopped production in 2006 when brewing operations were contracted out, with the brand subsequently managed under the Wells & Young's arrangement and later Carlsberg Marston's. Young's built its reputation on classic English cask ales — bitters and special ales that were staples of London pub culture for generations.
Food Pairings
A well-seasoned roast beef or a traditional Sunday roast works well here because the malt backbone complements the savory fat and fond. Sharp cheddar or a mature English territorial cheese like Cheshire holds its own against the assertive bitterness without being overwhelmed. A steak and kidney pie pairs naturally, the pastry echoing the biscuity grain character. Grilled sausages with mustard offer a salt-and-fat contrast that lets the hop earthiness come forward cleanly.
Style Guide
English pale ales are malt-forward, hop-balanced ales that originated in Britain and lean on traditional varieties like Fuggles and Goldings for their earthy, floral bitterness rather than the bright citrus notes of American hops. They typically range from around 4% to 6.5% ABV, with a firm but restrained bitterness and a backbone of biscuit, toffee, or toasted malt. Distinguished from bitters mainly by strength and sometimes by packaging — pale ales in this tradition tend to run stronger and are often bottled — they differ from American pale ales in their earthier hop character and more prominent malt presence.