North Coast Brewery serves up old style stock ale
Mike Partel
Issue date: 5/15/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Okay, this one should be a simple question. What glass do I use? Well, being an age-able beer at a thunderous 11.5 percent ABV, I'll have to go with the overly pretentious snifter glass. I've said it before - this bulbous glass concentrates the aroma at the lip of the glass allows you to swirl if you so choose, and looks pretty damn fancy. You are a beer geek, so flaunt it. You know you want to.
Alright, with that in mind, Old Stock Ale pours a deep mahogany with a decent, two-and-a-half finger head with a slightly cream color to it. It really is an attractive beer to look at - not too showy, but not boring. It is the kind of beer you would picture some well-to-do citizen of good ol' London to be sipping while sitting in a worn, leather armchair. After taking in the aroma a bit, I found hints of plum, raisin, grapes and wine - perhaps a port.
Continuing with that dark fruit train of though, the first sip reciprocates with those same elements with the addition of a mild caramel and an offsetting bitterness. The simple, but incredibly versatile Maris-Otter malt used in the brewing is the perfect addition as its traditional use in English ales and tasteful nuttiness lend themselves perfectly to extended development through aging.
As the beer sits for longer periods, the gentle warming character grows steadily as the glass slowly rises to room temperature.
I have to tell you - this is one hell of a beer. The dessert quality, high alcohol, excellent aging qualities layer so perfectly. Anyone who enjoys a wine with medium sweetness or anyone who likes just relax and sip something special. Just remember, some things take some patience to get the best experience and North Coast's Old Stock Ale will age with the best of them.
Alright, with that in mind, Old Stock Ale pours a deep mahogany with a decent, two-and-a-half finger head with a slightly cream color to it. It really is an attractive beer to look at - not too showy, but not boring. It is the kind of beer you would picture some well-to-do citizen of good ol' London to be sipping while sitting in a worn, leather armchair. After taking in the aroma a bit, I found hints of plum, raisin, grapes and wine - perhaps a port.
Continuing with that dark fruit train of though, the first sip reciprocates with those same elements with the addition of a mild caramel and an offsetting bitterness. The simple, but incredibly versatile Maris-Otter malt used in the brewing is the perfect addition as its traditional use in English ales and tasteful nuttiness lend themselves perfectly to extended development through aging.
As the beer sits for longer periods, the gentle warming character grows steadily as the glass slowly rises to room temperature.
I have to tell you - this is one hell of a beer. The dessert quality, high alcohol, excellent aging qualities layer so perfectly. Anyone who enjoys a wine with medium sweetness or anyone who likes just relax and sip something special. Just remember, some things take some patience to get the best experience and North Coast's Old Stock Ale will age with the best of them.
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