ABV: 0.5%
Calories per bottle: 63 (23 per 100ml)
Harvey and Son have plenty of history behind them as Sussex’s longest-established independent brewers. The design of their Old Ale bottles reflects that heritage, with the oakleaf and acorn conjuring up the broadleaved woodlands of south-east England.
Just like the Sussex Best, Harvey’s have been making this low-alcohol Old Ale for a while, but with the growing popularity of low ABV drinks they’ve wisely pushed it to the front of their portfolio. Ales fans looking to cut back on the units owe them a debt of gratitude. Whilst there are plenty of other low-alcohol beers out there, they are most at the lager and IPA end of the spectrum. This Old Ale fills a very obvious gap on the dark side.
We have no idea how they make this stuff. But however they do it, they do it well. The colour’s gorgeous, like dark caramel. It smells like a good beer, and the taste is unforgettable – like Christmas in a glass. It’s got such a good kick, loaded with cinnamon and chocolate, you’d be pushed to spot it’s got so little alcohol in it.
Another nice touch is that any empty bottles can be returned to the brewery to be washed and reused, just like we used to do with glass milk bottles – an old-fashioned and very effective way to be a bit greener.
