Boddingtons Pub Ale

Now owned by Inbev, Boddingtons has been brewed since 1778, when the Strangeways brewery was founded by two grain merchants. The name Boddington was picked up in 1832 when Henry Boddington joined the company. The company remained in the hands of his family until 1989. It comes in a 440ml can with the nitrogen widget.

Origin: Manchester, England

Alcohol/vol: 4.7%

Style: Ale

Average Rating: 7.00

Craig’s tasting

This tasting was a first for me, which was extremely exciting. Especially as I have not heard anything bad about Boddingtons in all my years. Upon reading the can it became apparent that I was dealing with the infamous widget. The only difference being that Boddingtons refer to their widget as the new “Draughtflow System”.

Having never seen this beer on tap my immediate thought was “great....a pale Guinness” Once again proving that maturity continues to elude me.

Rather than talk about the smooth drinkability of this beer or the mild to non existent taste. It might be better to talk about what type of Englishman might like this sort of beer. If I had Prince William, Wayne Rooney and Elton John in a room who would reach for a Boddingtons Pub Ale first?.....The answer can only be none of them. This is beer is for us, the working class, no fancy packaging, no fancy taste, just a good no bullshit offering.

Picture a Manchester United supporting, slightly obese, red faced, dentist avoiding Englishman and there you have the man this beer was made for.

Danny’s tasting

Boddingtons comes in a 440ml can with a widget. It is aptly named a pub ale and I could see vast quantities being consumed in that environment. I couldn’t however see someone who wants to enjoy a beer with flavour taking to Boddingtons for any length of time.

If it’s a boys’ night out you’re after, perhaps a quick 6 pack before indulging in a soccer riot then you’re onto a good thing.

Don’t get me wrong, Boddingtons does have its place in the world of beers and the drinking experience was not altogether unpleasant it’s just there are better things out there if you want to savour something and not go for a no brainer like this.