A silky-smooth premium ale, Horndean Special Bitter was originally the flagship beer of Gales Brewery in Hampshire. First launched in 1959, it's still brewed with the same passion and pride today – and the age-old recipe continues to go down a storm
Challenger, Fuggles and Goldings
Pale, Crystal Light, and Chocolate
Overall rating: 4.7987485 / 5 from 959 reviews.
The Gale's HSB 500ml Bottle offers a silky-smooth premium ale with a beautiful deep amber colour. The taste is fantastic, with a fruity and long-lasting quality that customers rave about. The brew is excellent, and the drink is easy and refreshing, making it a great all-round beer.
Review topics: ["feel","size","quality","colour","delivery","value","finish","price","strength","balance","style","service","water","case","texture","beer","depth","husband","weather","ale","summer","staff","taste","brew","pint","drink","order","fullers","bottle","bitterness"].
"First time i have had this since I did a Gales brewery trip in the 80s. It is very reminiscent of the original, has a good depth of flavour and sufficient alcohol for a decent hit. I will definitely buy this again now, safe in the knowledge that Fullers have done the old recipe proud and produced a decent quality ale."
"When I was a child, my family would visit an elderly aunt of my father's in Hampshire. My father always took us to a Gales pub so that he could have a couple of pints of Gales. I was always allowed to have a sip. HSB tastes of childhood to me."
"This is now competing with London Pride as my favourite ale. Good strong malty flavour. Settles well when poured without excessive/froth unlike many other (non Fullers) bottled beers."
"Great being able to order for home delivery. Haven't had HSB for ages so had to give it a go, glad I did. Delivery was quick as well. No prizes for guessing that I'll be ordering again. . . . 😀"
"HSB. Classic Brew! I grew up in Hampshire. So a pint of the Gales of Horndean was easy to come by. A warming best bitter, sweet and hoppy with a lovely ‘mouth feel’ with a sustaining lively head. An Abv of 4. 8 means in packs punch and that’s why I always have in my beer store!! Well done Fullers for keeping this alive xx"
"Loved this beer since the 80s, but have not been able get any for a long time, but never forgotten. So I was over the moon to find you were selling it and my god didn’t It taste good!! Would recommend it to everyone, superb beer. Many thanks John"
"Delicious well brewed beer at a sensible price delivered on time"
"Lovrely old fashioned smooth Brown Beer, even my Wife likes this one. 😆"
"It's been many decades since I last had a tipple of HSB and I must say it tastes as good as I remember. ESB next I think."
"HSB is perfect when seeking a beer that’s midrange between a lighter beer and something far stronger, very rewarding"
