tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282140921851003304.post5462846344193875501..comments2023-10-19T08:07:01.709-04:00Comments on drinkdrank: Albany Ale: True ColorsCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14129472719929268755noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282140921851003304.post-82439748482735862482013-01-25T11:44:59.854-05:002013-01-25T11:44:59.854-05:00As far as branding by strength and Albany Ale—Tayl...As far as branding by strength and Albany Ale—Taylor started first in the late 1850s, Amsdell followed shortly thereafter. You're absolutely correct, Xs (as well as a whole alphabet of other letters—like K and AK) were used in Britain, well into the 20th century, in fact. Letters as representative of alcoholic strength was pretty common, but it can be confusing. Think of them as a position, rather than as a fixed number. An XX Ale in 1850 may have been 7% while the same brewery may have called a 4% beer XX 50 years later. It's just the second tier strength in that family of ales. It also made it easy for someone who could not read to understand the strength of what they were buying. Generally, the more Xs, the more expensive the beer was.Craighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00374706510870731159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282140921851003304.post-79953217568304847612013-01-25T10:29:25.388-05:002013-01-25T10:29:25.388-05:00About when did 'John Taylor and Amsdell Bros. ...About when did 'John Taylor and Amsdell Bros. ... add the “XX” strength indicator to their ... “branding”'? Plus/minus 05 years suffice.<br /><br />I have noticed XX and XXX indicators in mid-1860 Colorado brewery adverts. I have an impression the designation was also used by 19th century Brit brewers.Jack R.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07625645308707849072noreply@blogger.com