This is one of those beers that you can put away and forget about for years if you have the patience. I don't have the patience right now, although I'll probably grab some of these at some point and put them in my cellar (a.k.a my closet). Everything North Coast puts out is solid so I will hold this one to those sort of high expectations.Weighing in at 12.5% alcohol, the Old Stock Ale is a heavy looking beer as it comes out of the bottle. Once its made its way into the glass its a very rich dark auburn brown color with wisps of redness. Not much head on this one and the carbonation level is minimal as far as I can tell. Its a great looking beer.
Smell is very rich and sweet brown sugar and dark brown bread accompanied with dark stewed fruit. Some apple cider vinegar notes are present as well that lead to some red wine characteristics. This is another very complex beer as far as smell goes. So many strands to pull apart!
Taste is absolutely delicious from the first chewy sip. Very balanced. Sweet malt tastes combine with some toasted dark bread and some more bitter notes quite well before the alcohol dryness hits you at the end. The sweetness and the bitterness play off each other nicely and the warming from the alcohol is a nice little feature as well. You'll definitely want to give this beer a chance to warm up a bit so you can experience all the flavors it has to offer. You'd be crazy not to love a beer with such complexity and strength.
BEER FACTS
Style: Old Ale
Brewery: North Coast Brewing Company
Location: Fort Bragg, California, USA
Container: 12 oz. bottle
Malts: Maris Otter
Hops: Fuggles & East Kent Goldings
ABV: 12.5%
IBUs: 36
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