BJCP 2021 / 17B
Old Ale
A rich, strong English ale that has gained complexity with age.
- Ages well
- high strength
- amber color
- top fermented
- british isles
Serve: 52 to 58F, Snifter
OG1.120
1.055 to 1.088FG1.030
1.015 to 1.022IBU120
30 to 60SRM40
10 to 22ABV14%
5.5 to 9.0%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Dark fruit, toffee and molasses
- Sherry or port-like notes from age
- Alcohol warmth
- Vague
- Rich
- Better
- Toffee, dark fruit and sherry
- Best
- Moderate-high toffee, plum and raisin aroma with sherry or port notes, warm alcohol, low earthy hop
Appearance
3 pts- Deep amber to dark brown
- Clear to bright
- Off-white to tan head
- Vague
- Brown
- Better
- Deep brown and bright
- Best
- Deep amber-brown, ruby highlights, bright, small tan head
Flavor
20 pts- Rich dark fruit, toffee and molasses
- Some sherry or port character
- Moderate bitterness, warming finish
- Vague
- Rich
- Better
- Dark fruit and toffee
- Best
- Moderate-high toffee, molasses and dark fruit with sherry notes, moderate bitterness, long warming finish
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Medium to full body
- Low to medium carbonation
- Warming, smooth
- Vague
- Full
- Better
- Medium-full and warming
- Best
- Medium to full body, smooth, noticeable warmth, low to medium carbonation
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Aged complexity
- Smoothness
Drops it
- Acetic sourness
- Hot alcohol
Writing tip
Separate age notes from flaws. Example: 'Port-like dark fruit with light sherry and a warming finish. Age adds depth.'
Pour these
- Old PeculierTheakstonDark fruit and treacle with a dry finish
- Prize Old AleGale'sComplex, port-like and strong
- Old TomRobinson'sRich plum and warming malt
Often confused with
- 17A British Strong AleBritish Strong Ale is fresher and brighter
- 17D English BarleywineEnglish Barleywine is stronger and more bitter
Fine here
- Oxidized: Sherry or port notes are part of the style
- Alcoholic: Warmth fits
- Sour/Acidic: A faint tartness from aging is allowed in some old ales
Ruinous here
- Solvent: Hot nail-polish alcohol
- Musty: Moldy or damp cellar notes
Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.