Roger Protz, a beer aficionado hailing from St Albans, Hertfordshire, recently indulged in a 72-year-old coronation ale, likening its flavor to that of “Christmas cake”.
The esteemed writer, known for his discerning palate, was bestowed the bottle as a gift from Greene King brewery in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, a dozen years ago.
Brewed in 1952 to mark the forthcoming coronation of Elizabeth II, the ale had been carefully preserved over the decades. According to Mr. Protz, upon uncorking the bottle, the ale revealed delightful notes reminiscent of Christmas cake, molasses, and licorice, with a hint of biscuity undertones.
Records indicate that around 500 bottles of this special coronation ale were stowed away in the labyrinthine cellars beneath the brewery. Discovered in 2001 during an inspection of the building’s foundations, the original labels were marred by flooding, and some bottle caps had succumbed to rust.
Despite initial concerns that the beer may have spoiled, Mr. Protz decided to store the bottle in his own cellar at home, where it remained largely forgotten until last year’s coronation anniversary.
To his amazement, upon retrieving the ale, Mr. Protz found it adorned with three caps, indicating a secure seal that had preserved its contents impeccably throughout the years. Despite its age, the beer retained its drinkability, much to Mr. Protz’s delight.
Reflecting on the beer’s likely characteristics, Mr. Protz speculated that it was likely “bottle conditioned,” a process where yeast and sugar are added during bottling to instigate a secondary fermentation. Notably, the bottle contained less than half a pint, colloquially referred to as a “nip,” hinting at the ale’s formidable strength. Mr. Protz estimated its alcohol content to be approximately 12%, based on his seasoned experience.
As Mr. Protz savored this rare and historic beverage, it served as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of craftsmanship and tradition within the realm of brewing, encapsulating the essence of a bygone era in every sip.
