Old Man (Winter Ale)
Poured from 12oz brown bottle into a clear pint glass. A: Dark amber/chestnut brown with a rocky, light tan, 1-2 finger head with good retention and plenty of sticky lace S: Caramel maltiness is overcome by floral and more prominently by herbal, minty hops aromas to give this brew a musty, earthy aroma. Not my favorite but distinctive. T: The sweetness of the malt is cut quickly by an intense minty, herbal hops flavor that only adds to the mustiness. This top of hops flavor is harsh and doesn't blend well for me with the sweetness. This is a pleasant beer, and unique, but it isn't the combination of malt and hops that I enjoy most. M: The feel is smooth and lush which belies the intense malting that occurred to make this beer. Aftertaste reemphasizes the herbal hops notes. D: A bit musty and I wish more floral and citrus notes were present, but it is still an enjoyable old ale.