Photo: J.T. Wampler
This week’s beer: Old Stock Ale 2012 from North Coast Brewing Co. in Ft. Bragg Calif.
The pour is clear amber with not much head. Its aroma has a complex blend of caramel, spices, fruit and toffee.
The taste is solidly malty with hints of butterscotch, molasses, plum and cherry with nice alcohol warmth to round out the sip. There is just enough bitterness to balance out the sweet fruit flavors but not enough to be considered hoppy. It has a slight taste of whisky.
The brewery recommends that this beer be cellared and aged. I have a few bottles set back and I will revisit them in a few months. It’s designed to mellow over time.
This is a really good beer that I suspect will get much better with age. North Coast has yet to produce a disappointing beer and I’m really looking forward to tasting this one again later.
This ale is 11.7% alcohol, but is not too boozy. It’s brewed with classic English ingredients like Maris Otter base malt, Fuggles and East Kent Goldings hops.
This is a rich, complex brew that will only get better with time.
Pair with a rich dessert like chocolate ganache.
Rating: 5
J.T Wampler
J.T. is a contributor for the Fayetteville Flyer. He is also the owner and brewer at the Tanglewood Branch Beer Co., located at 1431 S. School Ave. in Fayetteville.
For more beer reviews from J.T., see his author page.
