AleSmith Brewing Company Olde Ale
What the brewers say
“This rich, malt-forward ale showcases soft notes of currants and dried fruit with complex dark sugars, all of which are balanced by a subtle bitterness derived from the addition of traditional English hops.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Overripe pears and dark cherries with a nice presence of toffee and lightly toasted bread. Spicy/floral hops. Dark cocoa, leather, and alcoholic warmth.”
Flavor: “Rich malty depth is perfectly balanced by a pleasant bitterness. Dutch cocoa powder, plums, and Christmas pudding. Alcoholic warmth provides a lovely vehicle for layer upon layer of malt. Touch of caramel, toffee, plum, and coffee. Nice toast and roasty sweetness. The sweetness carries through the beer but is not too sweet.”
Overall: “Beneath the beautiful tan lies the malt complexity of an English barleywine in a more approachable package. Some might find the alcohol a touch hot. A beer that gains complexity from both the malts and yeast and is better from both working well together.”
