Boddingtons Pub Ale Beer Review
June 12, 2008
I haven’t had the Boddington’s Pub Ale in quite some time, but I remember liking the beer when I had it last. I was really looking forward to trying the Boddington’s again and writing a little review about it, but either my taste has changed, or I remember it very differently for some reason.
The Boddington’s Pub Ale of course, comes to America in the distinctive yellow and black can with the little “floaty-thing” inside. This mysterious “floaty-thing” is supposed to simulate the hand-drawn beer experience, where air is somehow mixed with the beer creating a creamy beer with a wonderful taste or something. Interestingly, the Boddington’s can has instructions regarding the correct temperature to enjoy the brew, and it is apparently 41 degrees. I didn’t take the beer’s temperature, but I did wait a bit for the temperature to warm up – maybe 10 minutes or so from fridge to belly.
I cracked open my yellow and black can of Boddington’s and the beer kind of exploded out of the can and spilled all over my official beer-testing table! WTF? I didn’t shake it or anything, so I’m thinking it’s somehow more carbonated in the can causing the mini-explosion? It was quite an event!
Pouring the beer was, as expected, very cool! All these little bubbles separate out, and it is an
interesting show to see the huge cream-colored head rise from the amber-colored ale below. It takes some time to sort out the beer from the head, but once it does you are left with a classic-looking pint of beer!
The Boddington’s Pub Ale has a mildly hoppy smell, nothing that really made me think “wow”, but nothing offensive either. Kind of regular smelling actually.
My first taste was underwhelming, and I was a little surprised because I remember really liking this beer in the past! The beer is smooth no doubt, but there is a mildly bitter aftertaste that wasn’t so hot, and as I thought about it, maybe even a metallic taste too? Could this can with the cool “floaty-thing” add this weird metallic flavor? So far, of all the beers The Brew Club has sampled, this is the first beer that was not from a glass bottle. Hmmmm.
If possible, I’d really like to try the Boddington’s Pub Ale from tap someday to see if my memory has grown dim, (very, very possible), or the Pub Ale in the can actually tastes very different from the stuff from the tap. Anybody have any thoughts on this?
The Boddington’s Ale is definitely a nice, smooth English Ale, nothing really bad about it, but I was a little disappointed that what I had to drink did not live up to my expectations, or my memory of what was a really good beer. It had a bitter, and slightly metallic aftertaste that I did not expect really or care for. Definitely underwhelmed.
What do you think of Boddington’s Pub Ale? Is ti better on tap, or is it just a metallic-tasting beer?
Rating: 
Posted in 2 Star Reviews, Ales, All Brews Reviewed, English Beers, European Beers
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July 21st, 2008 at 2:47 pm
‘well gee, it ain’t no bud light or nothin, but it’s good.’
You have no talent for reviewing beer.
July 21st, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Hey, thanks for contributing! You’ve added so much to the conversation with your insight and obvious depth of knowledge.
August 19th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Though I feel it was accurate concerning the pouring of the head and the consistency of the beer, I respectfully disagree with the conclusion. True, Boddingtons isn’t the most flavorful, and hardly the strongest brew, but it’s thick and satisfying and pares well with a variety of dishes. In this sense, it’s lack of strength works for it, as it doesn’t overwhelm the palate and accompanies food well.
-Ethan
August 19th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Thanks! Like I mentioned, I remember the Boddingtons being a REALLY good beer. But when I tried this one – eh. It was just too metallic tasting. I should try another one, maybe it was a weird batch or something.
January 16th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Scott, definitely not just your batch that tasted metallic. I recently purchased my first 4 pack of Boddy’s with high hopes. Sweet, Guinness-Like, head with nice retention, excellent lacing. No real flavor though, other than some malt. Very STRONG metallic taste. Pairs great with food that has flavor, very easy to drink. Defnitely not recommended though.
August 10th, 2009 at 11:30 am
I would have disagree with any comment concerning “metallic-taste.” I would urge you to try a new batch, check the expiration etc. I can be one of those picky, “I don’t care to drink beer in cans, because I hate metallic-taste tainting my experience” kinda people. Naturally, I was hessitant to reach for a Boddington’s. (The cooler on Fourth of July consisted of Boddington’s and Beast, so I avoided the Beast) I was surprised to find that the can did pollute the ale. To be honest, its now one of my favorite beers. Since then, I have also tried the ale on tap. Even better. So, give both of my suggestions a try and reconsider. I doubt you’ll regret it, and believe that your taste buds will spark the memory of that “really good beer” you once enjoyed. Enjoy your beer explorations… who wouldn’t?
August 10th, 2009 at 11:31 am
wow, sorry. “that the can DID NOT pollute the ale”***
August 10th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Thanks Joe. If I see it on tap someplace, I would have no problem getting it again on tap. Come to think of it, I don’t remember if there was a ‘best by’ date on the can I tried. Next time I’m in the store, I’ll check that out. Cheers!
Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Hell or High Watermelon Wheat Beer
August 14th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
I am so happy (also saddened) to find someone who believes that the brew has changed.
Boddingtons Pub Ale used to be my favorite canned beer. The only canned beer that I would ever purchase.
I find the flavor unpleasent. It is much more bitter than it ever had been in the past. The creaminess is gone and the color is decidely much more amber than cream.
It’s very sad.
When brands and brewerys change ownership the product will never be the same unless the brewing location and the people associated with it does not change.
November 19th, 2009 at 1:11 am
I love most English Ales but this one I really dislike. The aftertaste kills it, very metallic. Great mouthfeel and creamy but the aftertaste lets it down.
November 19th, 2009 at 9:10 am
Rob, I agree. Considering there are so many great English Ales available, Newcastle seems to be the ‘Bud’ of English Ales. Very popular, very common, but not so good from a beer standpoint.
Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Brewing Beer at Home With the Coopers Homebrew Kit
November 19th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
I had a sip of one two nights ago and thought it tasted like bread soaked in water. Not much to it.
Don´s last blog ..Ho, Ho, Hum. St. Bernardus Christmas Ale
January 9th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
I, believe it is supper time. Drink up
June 5th, 2010 at 8:46 am
I bought this last night and tried. This review is spot on. I guess it has to be tried to tap too but from the can it is not good.
June 5th, 2010 at 10:23 am
@John – Thanks. It’s good to hear when other people agree! (Makes me think I’m not nuts!) If you see it on tap, give it a shot but otherwise there are many better choices.
Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Do Beer Glasses Matter?
June 6th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
Absolutely love this beer. had it on tap at the Irish pub in san Diego called blarney stone. Cool to watch fun to drink. Great taste.
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:57 am
just bought a 4 pk of this brew. must say your review is exactly my opinion. I bought it cause I remembered it being a great liquid but was very disappointed. and somebody please slap glade, “it no bud light” uuuuhhhhh bud light sux and this person’s opinion stinks. bet they drink bud light lime now.