Adnams Broadside Strong Original - Adnams plc, Sole Bay Brewery

ecoastman

Ontario (Canada)

4.08/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Generally, Engish ale isn't one of my favourite styles but this one is probably one of my favourites so far. I'd have another.

This beer is dark with a nice red copper hue. The head starts thick and dense but recedes to a spotty layer with some nice lacing.

It has a very clean nose - almost too clean. There is some nice faint caramel maltiness that is balanced well with hop. The aroma improves as it warms up to release some nuttier tones.

The first thing that is outstanding is the smooth mouthfeel. The soft start transitions to a watery, yet slightly creamy feel into light courseness in the finish. Like most English Ales, the carbonation is on the lower side but this one isn't too flat.

The flavour is like the smell - very clean. The malt is light and not too sweet - some mild caramel, molasses tones. The finish is more prominent with enough hop to give it a good low-level of grapefruit bitterness which lingers well after the drink.

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2010 04:34:06 | More by ecoastman

oracle

Indiana

4.6/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This was a gravity poured cask. No CO2 or Nitro was harmed in the pouring of this beer. Delivered in a traditional engish pint glass.

Beer was medium-to-dark mahogany with no head what-so-ever.

Nose was all vanilla, fruit and oak. Strong alcohol presense.

Taste was superb. Very complex. Strong malt with many other flavors mixed in, mostly fruit (plum) and some oaky flavors as well. Long drawn out finish.

Absolutely outstanding.

Serving type: cask

08-16-2004 01:44:24 | More by oracle

kegerator

Maryland

4/5  rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

pours a deep brown color with a decent 1 finger head that sits around for a good bit of time.
smell is sweet, sweet rasins and fruity esters come through.
taste reminded me of simple sugar soaked raisins. very port like in its sweetness. slight carmel notes. it is sweet but not overly sweet
its medium bodied, smooth with a slightly creamy texture to it.
nice beer overall

Serving type: bottle

07-18-2005 11:38:42 | More by kegerator

smanders

Virginia

3.33/5  rDev -15.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this from a hand pull at The George in Spaldwick. Nothing better than a beer to go with pizza and the locals all raved about the Broadside Original.

This is a dark brown/red beer with an off-white head that smells like overripe fruit, toffee, and nuts. The taste is very sweet (caramel & toffee) with a little bitterness in the finish.

I wouldn't recommend this with pizza, but by itself, it's a respectable ale.

Serving type: cask

10-12-2009 20:39:01 | More by smanders

Stephen63

United Kingdom (Scotland)

4.2/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Dark, nice head that stayed around for a bit.

S - Caramel with hoppiness and currant fruits.

T - Excellent, like a decent strong ale there is plenty to contemplate here. The sweetness is balanced by the hoppy finish. Hard to pick out individual falvours but many present.

M - Slightly on the lively side of carbonation but nicely balanced.

D - A great tasty brew although the ABV means caution should be exercised.

If there is a cask version this needs to be found...

Serving type: bottle

12-01-2007 23:53:43 | More by Stephen63

rjimlad

Australia

3.8/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured a nice deep copper colour that's almost clear. Head dissipated quickly with no lacing but there could be a temperature issue there as it came straight from the fridge.
Aromas were caramel and hop but not quite leaping out of the glass. Flavour is caramel, toffee and a bit bready with a crisp bitter finish. Not super complex but still tasty. A risk of booziness but restrained enough not to spoil the balance and mouthfeel. Not the best strong ale but enjoyable and relatively inexpensive.

Serving type: bottle

08-05-2011 09:46:45 | More by rjimlad

Guinness4me

Florida

2.93/5  rDev -25.3%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Once I got past the appearance of "muddy lake water" in my glass, it wasn't that bad of a beer. The head was a bit soapy and faded quickly.

The smell was very perfumed and slightly citrus. I wish I could place the exactly perfume, maybe honeysuckle? Very light smell for such a muddy beer.

The taste was simple but pleasant with flowery hops, slight malt and tasty yeast. I noticed no offensive aftertaste and little bitterness.

The mouthfeel was a little bland to me without sufficient carbonation. Maybe I got an old bottle. I'd find it hard to stomach too many more of these.

Serving type: bottle

10-24-2004 01:15:19 | More by Guinness4me

86sportster883

New Jersey

3.78/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Adnams’ Broadside Original Ale is a good English beer that makes me want to visit the UK and tour the pubs of London.

It pours clear orange amber, brown with a 2.5 finger head that leaves a trace of white lace.

The smell is a very pleasant strong fruity hop aroma that hints of acetaldehyde.

It is smooth bodied w/a fine light carbonation.

The taste starts out malty sweet, but quickly dries leaving a mild resiny hop bitterness.

Adnams’ Broadside is a good example of the English Pale Ale, enjoyable, but not my favorite beer style. A beer I think would be much better on cask, in a London pub on a warm, rainy summer afternoon.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2007 02:40:18 | More by 86sportster883

Reinheitsgebot71

Ontario (Canada)

3.63/5  rDev -7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

The return of this beer to the LCBO shelves this winter allows me a chance to review it as I missed out last time, so here we go.
A clear ruby liquid emerges from the nicely designed bottle, cascading into the glass forming a robust off white head. The retention is quite admirable it and runs the full length of the drink albeit in a diminished form. Admirable amounts of lacing cling to the glass marking the steady decent of the brew.

Smell the beer reveals powerful whiffs of burnt sugar and caramel followed by the characteristic fruity aromas (candied cherries, raisins and dates) one comes to expect in British ales. Floral hops modestly perfume the beer mixing nicely with subtle nutmeg spiciness. As we near the bottom of the glass hints of alcohol and slight off smells of vegetable begin to creep through.

Rich malt is the backbone of the flavour here and it is prevalent throughout. Balancing this is the astringency provided by some of the darker malts and more potently that of bitter hops. Spicy notes such as nutmeg and cinnamon mixed in honey give nice warming flavours and blend well with the puckering bitterness. Toasty almonds add a final touch to the illusive malt palate.
The rich malty character belies a very light refreshing body with a slightly rough edge due to the high bitterness.

A solid example of a British ale great and at 6.3% ABV good for warming one up this time of the year.

Serving type: bottle

01-25-2010 05:19:08 | More by Reinheitsgebot71

amicar

Missouri

4.28/5  rDev +9.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Beautiful looking beer. A red- tinged brown with a creamy dense head that is of mild- medium size. Smell is wondefully complex; musky, lighly hopped aroma, some nice roasty things in there. Slight fruitiness on the nose if you look for it. More intensity of smell than most beers I've had. Taste is a nice mix of base malt and an appropriate degree of roast malts underneath giving way to a sharp little hop bite when the slight seetness fades. Good slick fullness in the mouth and stays in the mouth for a long time. It has all the intensity and complexity I love in a world- class beer, but a light enough hand in it that I could find a lot of these empty in a night. If all the bottles are this good (especially for $1.79/ pint bottle), I'm stocking up.

Serving type: bottle

07-23-2005 00:21:39 | More by amicar

AylwinForbes

Illinois

4.22/5  rDev +7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Not to be confused with the regular Broadside, the Strong Original weighs in at a healthy 6.0 % ABV - high by English standards. A nice dark chestnut color it fills the glass with a reasonable sudsy head upon pouring which dissipates slowly. Full aroma of malty - fruity notes. Good body as you might expect, strong rich flavors - orchard fruits, malt, caramel, some citrus hop. Rewarding to drink. One of my favorites on this visit.

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2008 01:21:08 | More by AylwinForbes

stjarnflikka

Sweden

4.1/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Looks: A clear reddish look with light carbonation. It pours a thick beige foam.

Smell: The smell filled the entire roam just after i uncapped the bottle. Extremely strong with clear fruity and sweet aromas.

Taste: A malty, quite bitter taste with strong traces of fruit. There is a small sweetness and that grows as the other tastes dissappear. Leaves with a alcoholic and fruity taste.

A very easydrunk beer, balanced and well tasting.

Serving type: bottle

10-09-2004 20:02:14 | More by stjarnflikka

dpend

Florida

4.22/5  rDev +7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

WOW! An English Ale in a brown bottle! I'm rating the taste high just because of that. Deep brown with a copper/gold tinge. Head retention was good, but had to be enticed. Nice even balance of maltiness and hops,maybe a bit of oak and also picking up on some fruit. I would have to call this a "flat" beer, in respect to it's equal parts malt and hops acroos the board. Aroma is typical ale but is fresh and inviting. Mouthfeel is good and drinkability is high. Cool bottle too.

Serving type: bottle

11-22-2003 16:39:34 | More by dpend

ChiSox05

Illinois

3.78/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Almond brown with a creamy beige tinged head. Translucent. Some lacing, average head retention.

A fruity smell of cranberries or cranberry sauce and apple. Blend of citrusy hops while malt has a sweet, nutty smell. Complex, probably the most standout feature of this beer.

The taste showed more of the roasted malt than the smell, and counteracts the heavily bitter hops that hit the front of the tongue. Hops and malt are both strong. Alcoholic, slightly metallic.

Bitterness weighs on the palate and is held in check by the malt. Strong taste, alcoholic, but not overpowering because the carbonation is smoothing and mellows the whole beer.

A powerful beer whose characteristics play off each other well. Complex, would like to try it on tap.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2007 03:38:56 | More by ChiSox05

BeerHonky

New York

3.68/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

12 oz. bottle poured into a nonic pint glass. Light khaki colored head about a fingers worth dissipated down to a super thin lace around the edge of the glass. Good looking amber, reddish color that is slightly and evenly cloudy. Very little visible carbonation. The nose is full of yeasty, green apples and extra ripe pear mixed with a strong malt sweetness. There's also a small amount of noticeable alcohol. Medium body that is creamy, smooth with a little bit of stickyness. The beer seems to be fuller through the back, pronouncing its big malt back bone after getting a quick blast of buttery, fruity yeast esters and English hop flavor. Slight medicinal/solvency aftertaste. Not too drinkable in my opinion but an interesting brew to say the least.

Serving type: bottle

02-26-2007 00:36:47 | More by BeerHonky

ghurux86

Missouri

3.78/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

pours a dark brown with a pillowy light tan head. leaves some lacing but not a lot.
smells that i notice are hops, malt, grapes, and others.
taste is malty up front, with a hoppy bitterness shining through at the end. pretty good.
mouthfeel is good; smooth and not too thin, carbonation isn't too heavy
drinkability is good as well, even with the bitterness i could drink quite a few more and be happy.
a pretty good beer that's worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2004 06:01:14 | More by ghurux86

brewbucker

Wisconsin

4.08/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Thanks to Shigadeyo for this one. Pours a murky dark red/brown and has a small but lasting head. Aroma is rich malts, ripened fruits, ashy hints, mild licorice. Flavors of sweet candied malts and fruits, light oaky hints, molasses. Sort of reminded me of a milder Youngs Old Nick. Lightly dry and bitter in the finish. I liked this one alot. Thanks again Craig for this nice suprise.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2009 00:07:23 | More by brewbucker

Chsyhkr

North Carolina

4.22/5  rDev +7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A stong version of ESB, light mahogany in color with tawny highlights. Aroma is full of butterscotch and fruit, some hops for good measure. Plenty of body in this puppy with a hop bitterness that accentuates and does not detract.

Sit down, let this one warm up, and sip slowly as there is lots going on here.

A great ESB sent to the states.

Serving type: bottle

02-19-2004 03:22:26 | More by Chsyhkr

MillySox

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours dark copper with a nice off-white head. Powerful malty aroma. Nothing else to the aroma. Just lots of quality English malts. Tastes starts off a little like a burton ale, but not as soft. This has a little bite. Its bigger. The chewy, malty flavor plays around with a nice dose of floral english hops.

My last pick at the beer store. It had an attractive price. What a nice suprise!

Serving type: bottle

02-20-2009 01:52:14 | More by MillySox

jvdineen

Massachusetts

3.43/5  rDev -12.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Purchased a single at Deluca's on Charles St. Boston, MA

It looks like Smithwicks when poured yet it tastes nothing like it. At first sip you can tell its a strong ale.The alcohol and hops work together to give a spicy tang and warmth. I don't think I would have more than two pints of this brew. A lingering hop aftertaste is pleasurable and is what I think a beer should taste like.

Serving type: bottle

05-18-2006 23:35:48 | More by jvdineen

RDAdams

Maryland

4.5/5  rDev +14.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

The bottle was a gift from a shop owner for some advice I had given her. She thought it was an excellent beer and I had never heard of it before.

I chilled it to 62 F (16.7 C). The head was a off-white and retained almost to the final sip. The aroma was very pleasant. I would compare the taste, the mouthfeel, and the drinkability to Fullers' London Pride and note that this beer would easily be my choice over London Pride.

In the '90's I spent a few months every year in England and Scotland and made a point of drinking as many different beers as possible. So I am surprised that I never had Adnams before.

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2005 11:49:07 | More by RDAdams

mjgarrett2

Maryland

3.53/5  rDev -9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

A-Dark chestnut brown, slightly translucent, pale beige head with good lacing.

S-Bright, clean, citrus freshness. Mild hint of hops.

T-Earthy malts up front, but not overly sweet. Almost reminds me of hay. Mild hops with a tart fruit finish.

M-Pretty mellow with the sharper flavors coming on the back end. Flavors tend to stick to one part of the mouth and not disperse evenly.

D-Not terrible, but the tartness accumulates overtime making the bitter aspects somewhat abrasive. Could be slightly more balanced

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2010 21:01:58 | More by mjgarrett2

iguenard

Quebec (Canada)

3.58/5  rDev -8.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

( 39/50, 6% alc/vol, Home) Very thick and chunky head of thick bubbles of light brown color. Leaves lace everywhere. Beautiful pinkish-brown color. You'll see… filtered and hazey. Usually, expired beer doesn’t smell this good. There's gotta be a catch! Strawberry tartness and chocolate vanilla. Some esters of banana cream pie. Light but for an english ale, wow! There's the catch! The metal aftertaste of an expired brew. I really want to try this new and fresh or on draft! Bitter finish ruined by metal. Could be on the over-bitter side. Silky smooth, medium thick body. Warm and sensuous on the tongue. Small tickle of carbonation. Slight sour. Nutty and Sweet. Oh! How dissapoointing, smelled and looked like a clear winner. Still very nice brew, smooth, bitter and aromatic and warm.

Serving type: bottle

05-07-2011 18:42:04 | More by iguenard

MrHall

Ontario (Canada)

3.88/5  rDev -1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

500 ml bottle bought at LCBO BBD - poured into a chimay goblet (I know, I know)

Soapy white head that disappears and leaves bubbles. A little lacing.

Smells of cherries and maybe blackberries.

Yeah, there's a lot of maltiness there, but I do actually sense a bitter trying to poke throught the middle. Other than that, it's all fruit.

Considering I'm drinking it out of a goblet, lots of carbonation I find. I like it as it cut through the sweetness a bit.

Not a bad after dinner drink, but the carbonation might be a bit filling. I'll pick up a few more before they're gone.

Serving type: bottle

01-25-2010 01:30:52 | More by MrHall

SteveDavies

United Kingdom (England)

3.23/5  rDev -17.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

6.3% 50cl bottle from The Beer Emporium, Sandbach. Poured into a pint glass, a brown / ruby colour, minimal lacing. Smells of cherries, sultanas, prunes and malt obvious. Tasted strongly of rich fruit and malt with a bitter finish on the palate. Body is good with a satisfying feel and not over carbonated. One of these beers was enough for me.

Serving type: bottle

08-13-2010 18:13:05 | More by SteveDavies