In review of North Coast Brewery’s Old Stock Ale, we are putting up two reviews: First, Mike from MikeLovesBeer.com will share his thoughts, then you’ll hear from Thank Heaven for Beer. Why? Coincidentally we both drink this beer about the same time, and second, hopefully you will note that beer geeks are not lemmings when it comes to beer appreciation; that is, camaraderie does not necessitate mutual agreement!
*Name* – Old Stock Ale
*Country* – United States
*Type* – Old Ale
*Appearance* – Poured a clear, deep ruby red color with a small head that was gone very quickly.
*Smell* – A very complex nose here while you get big whiffs of alcohol you also pick up sweet malt smells of raisins, caramel and a slight bit of granny smith apple I was getting.
*Taste* – It’s a very thick and syrupy feel that starts off with those sweet malt flavors up front then you are hit with a big alcohol bite at the end and it lingers for a few seconds afterward.
I said to myself that I had to go back and try some things I had awhile ago and see if my taste has matured any. I really didn’t like this when I first tried it and I don’t even think I finished the beer. This time around I made it through and enjoyed it a little bit but the alcohol burn was just to overwhelming at the end. This is especially true the more the beer warms up.
*Overall Grade* – C-
THANK HEAVEN FOR BEER (NATE)
The Pour:
Upon opening two bottles of 2008 Old Stock(one for me and my good buddy), a strange anomoly occurred. After sitting for a few seconds before pouring, foam started poking out of the neck of the bottle. Did North coast over carbonate? Pours a deep, almost red wine-like, mahogany. For a big beer, it is exceptionally clear. Thin bubbles from the center of the glass struggle to find the surface. This stuff is going to be thick and sticky! Despite the foam monster I saw after prying the cap off, there is minimal head. Perhaps an inch of off white, slightly green in color, sticky foam, that vanished quickly leaving behind pretty lacing.
The Aroma:
Big sweet malt flavors bombard the nose at first smell. Typical to style are toffee and caramel notes. The toasted malt lends to burnt sugar aroma. Sweet fruit smells are present. I picked up on candy/maraschino cherries, candied apples, raisins, and a bit of pepper. There is a liquor quality to this, reminiscent of vodka, maybe even brandy.
The Taste:
The thick sweet liquid is overwhelmingly malty. The toasted quality the malt is very apparent up front, giving this beer a slight graham cracker flavor. Sweet apples, a little grape quality, and whole bunch of caramel flavors tingle the tongue. Towards the back of the tongue a mild hop flavor begins to balance sweetness of the beer. As the beer slides down the throat, I realize this beer is still young, as the hot alcohol finish is more pronounced than other beers I’ve had boasting a 12.5% ABV. This is not to be taken negatively. In fact, it aides in balancing the beer. The mouth-feel is gorgeous. Smooth and creamy, with greater than expected fizziness.
Overall:
I think this is a great beer, but needs to sit in my cellar an mellow for a bit longer. The malt punch needs to be emphasized while the alcoholic finish needs to obscure, and only time will tell the greatness of the beer. I am willing to bet that in a year or two, after drinking another bottle, this beer will gain a bit.
Nate’s Rating:
To accommodate Mike‘s rating system, I’m forgoing the star system on this post:
I give Old Stock Ale a B+
Mike: C-
Nate: B+
