Old Speckled Hen is one of England’s best-known premium ales, named after an old speckled MG car from the Abingdon factory where it was first brewed. It is a smooth, malty, amber ale with a lovely toffee character, richer than a standard bitter but still very drinkable. I picked up a batch for this guide.
Old Speckled Hen at a glance
| Style | English bitter (fine ale) |
| ABV | 5.0% |
| Calories | Around 150 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | Greene King / Morland, England |
| Character | Toffee, caramel, light fruit, smooth |
| Best served | Cool, in a pint glass |
How it tastes, by the numbers
This is a smooth, toffee-led English ale, malty and rounded rather than bitter or hoppy.
The full review
It pours a clear deep amber with a soft off-white head. The aroma is rich and malty, toffee, caramel and a light fruity note.
The flavour is smooth and toffee-led. There is a rich caramel and toffee malt character, a light fruitiness and a gentle, balancing hop bitterness that keeps it from being too sweet. The body is smooth and rounded, a touch fuller than a standard bitter.
That smooth toffee character is what makes it so popular. It is easy, satisfying and consistent, a reliable premium ale that drinks well anywhere. At 5% it has a bit more body and richness than an everyday session bitter.
A smooth, malty, reliable English ale and a modern classic. Widely available and hard to fault.
That smooth toffee character is what makes it so popular.
- Smooth, rich toffee-and-caramel malt
- Easy and satisfying to drink
- Reliable and widely available
- A well-made modern classic
- Malt-led, low on hop character
- Not the most distinctive ale
Who it is for
If you want a smooth, malty, toffee-rich English ale, Old Speckled Hen is a reliable premium choice. Perfect for easy, everyday drinking.
Old Speckled Hen FAQs
What does Old Speckled Hen taste like?
A rich toffee and caramel malt character with a light fruitiness and a gentle balancing bitterness. It is smooth, rounded and malt-led, a touch fuller than a standard bitter.
Why is it called Old Speckled Hen?
It is named after an old speckled MG car used at the Abingdon factory where the beer was first brewed. Locals called the car the owld speckled un, which became Old Speckled Hen.
How strong is Old Speckled Hen?
It is 5% ABV, a premium-strength English ale with a bit more body than an everyday session bitter.
Where to buy Old Speckled Hen
Old Speckled Hen is available across much of the US in bottles and cans. Buy it using the button above.
The verdict
Old Speckled Hen is a smooth, toffee-rich English ale, malty and easy with a light fruity finish. A reliable, well-made modern classic that drinks well anywhere.
FAQs
Who makes Old Speckled Hen?
Old Speckled Hen is brewed by Greene King / Morland (owned by CK Asset Holdings, the Hong Kong conglomerate controlled by the Li Ka-shing family).
What kind of beer is Old Speckled Hen?
Old Speckled Hen is an English bitter (fine ale), at 5.0% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Old Speckled Hen?
Old Speckled Hen has an ABV of 5.0%.
How many calories are in Old Speckled Hen?
Old Speckled Hen has Around 150 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Old Speckled Hen gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Old Speckled Hen is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Old Speckled Hen taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is Old Speckled Hen made?
Old Speckled Hen is brewed by Greene King / Morland in England. For more from that country, see our best England beers guide.
How do I open Old Speckled Hen without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Old Speckled Hen?
Cool, in a pint glass. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
