Restaurant
Unclaimed profileThe Olde English Pub and Pantry
Albany, NY · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Olde English Pub and Pantry pours a wide net: eight specialty cocktails, a dozen draft styles, a Scotch list split by region, and a wine list with glass and bottle options. The London Mule and Olde English Fashioned show ambition, while Third Sally and Guinness anchor the cask side. Non-alcoholic drinkers get a real Mock Mule, not an afterthought.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Olde English Fashioned, a bourbon, brown sugar simple, and walnut bitters build at $16. For something lighter, the London Mule pairs gin or vodka with Crabbies Ginger Beer. Beer drinkers should try Third Sally, a Connecticut British Bitter available in three pour sizes.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts exploring house syrups and bitters will find plenty to try, and Scotch drinkers can work through Speyside and Highland selections. Beer lovers get a broad draft list with regional and international options. One customer called it a nice quiet spot for cocktails with reasonable prices.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Specialty cocktails run $12–$16, drafts $5–$12 depending on size, and Scotch pours $14–$25. Wine by the glass starts at $8 and bottles at $27.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The program spans multiple categories without skimping: a dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail, a Scotch list with tasting notes, and a draft list that includes British Bitter and Irish Red Ale.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Eight specialty cocktails range from the London Mule to the Olde English Fashioned, plus a classic list that includes Martini, Manhattan, and Negroni. House-made syrups and bitters appear in several builds.
Menu strengths
- — Specialty list includes creative builds like the Olde English Fashioned with walnut bitters.
- — Classic cocktails cover standards from Martini to Irish Coffee.
Standout selections
- — London Mule – gin or vodka with Crabbies Ginger Beer and lime, $16.
- — Olde English Fashioned – bourbon, brown sugar simple, walnut bitters, orange, $16.
Pricing: $12–$16 specialty, $12–$18 classic
Wine
The wine list spans whites, rosé, and reds, with Prosecco, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Malbec, Pinot Noir, and multiple Cabernet Sauvignons. Mostly familiar producers and regions.
Menu strengths
- — Offers both glass and bottle pours across varietals.
- — Decoy and Director's Cut Cabernet Sauvignon give red drinkers solid choices.
Standout selections
- — Ballancin Prosecco – $8 glass, $27 bottle.; Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon – $17 glass, $50 bottle.
Pricing: $8–$18 glass, $27–$65 bottle
Beer
Draft list spans British Bitter, Witbier, IPA, Pilsner, lager styles, stouts, and Irish Red Ale, with several pour sizes. Bottles and cans include regional picks like Nine Pin Cider, Narragansett, and Modelo.
Menu strengths
- — Broad draft selection with styles from British Bitter to Irish Red Ale.
- — Multiple pour sizes allow sampling without committing to a full pint.
Standout selections
- — Third Sally – British Bitter, CT, 4.0%, $8–$12 by size.
- — Old Speckled Hen – English Pale Ale, England, 5.0%, $8–$12 by size.
Pricing: $5–$12
Nonalcoholic
Non-alcoholic options include the Mock Mule with choice of strawberry, peach, or blueberry puree, plus Guinness 0 and Heineken 0.0. A real dedicated section rather than a single afterthought.
Menu strengths
- — Mock Mule offers three fruit puree options for customization.
- — Includes non-alcoholic versions of both stout and lager.
Standout selections
- — Mock Mule – ginger beer, lime, club soda, fruit puree, $8.
Pricing: $7–$8
Spirits
Scotch program focuses on Speyside and Highland regions, with pours from Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Macallan, and Highland Park. Tasting notes provided for each selection.
Menu strengths
- — Clear regional split between Speyside and Highland whiskies.
Standout selections
- — Balvenie 12 – Speyside, rich fruit and crisp citrus, $16.
- — Macallan 12 – Highland, sherry cask, dried fruits, $18.
Pricing: $14–$25 per 1.5 oz pour
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