Old Speckled Hen is a British ale produced by the Greene King brewery. It is classified as a bitter and is commonly sold in both cask and keg formats. The beer is typically marketed with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.0 % (originally 3.8 % ABV at launch).
History
The brand was introduced by Greene King in the early 1970s as part of the brewery’s effort to expand its range of bitter ales. Over subsequent decades, Old Speckled Hen became one of the brewery’s flagship products and is regularly listed among the best‑selling ales in the United Kingdom.
Production and Characteristics
- Brewing company: Greene King (based in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England).
- Beer style: Bitter (sometimes described as a “session ale”).
- ABV: 4.0 % (original launch ABV 3.8 %).
- Colour: Amber to copper, with a moderate level of carbonation.
- Taste profile: Described by tasting notes as having a balanced malt sweetness, mild hop bitterness, and a smooth finish.
Market Presence
Old Speckled Hen is widely distributed across the United Kingdom and is a common offering in public houses, hotels, and off‑licence retailers. The brand has been subject to periodic marketing campaigns, including sponsorship of sports events and televised advertising.
Name Origin
The name “Old Speckled Hen” is derived from a 19th‑century painting featuring a speckled hen; however, precise details of the artwork’s creator and provenance are not definitively documented. Accurate information is not confirmed.
Cultural Impact
The beer has achieved a level of cultural recognition in the UK, often referenced in media and popular discourse as an example of a mainstream British bitter. Its longstanding presence has contributed to Greene King’s brand identity and market share within the UK ale segment.
References: Greene King corporate publications, United Kingdom alcoholic beverage market reports, and publicly available product specifications.