English Old Ale has a rich and storied history, with its origins dating back over 400 years, following the adoption of hops in England. As the predecessor to modern barrel-aged beers, this strong ale was held in high regard and often stored in oak for extended periods, allowing it to mature and develop complex, wine-like flavors.
Throughout the years, the brewing process for Old Ale has evolved, yet it has maintained its characteristic dark, malty composition, and robust flavor profile. With fermentation and aging playing a vital role in the development of its distinct taste, Old Ale remains a classic beer style, recognized for its unique qualities that cater to beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
Key Takeaways
- English Old Ale has a 400-year history, dating back to the introduction of hops in England.
- The brewing process involves oak storage, fermentation, and aging, contributing to its unique flavors.
- Notable for its dark, malty profile and complex taste, Old Ale has earned a steadfast place in the beer world.
History of English Old Ale
Old ale, a form of strong ale, has a rich history in England. This type of ale is generally dark, malty, and has an alcohol content above 5% ABV. Its origin dates back to the time before the Industrial Revolution, when there was a lack of methods to keep beer cool for a long period of time. As a result, sweet high-alcohol beers, like old ales, were produced because they stored well without cooling.
The lineage of old ales can be traced back to 400 years ago, shortly after the adoption of hops in England. Brewers on the island eventually came around to using hops, which had been used by continental brewers for preserving their ales. Prior to the use of hops, beer did not have a long shelf life.
Brewing in what is now England was already well established when the Romans arrived in 54 BC. Archaeological evidence discovered in the 1980s indicates that the Roman soldiers in Britain sustained themselves on Celtic ale. As time passed, the development of old ale became more prominent as a way to preserve beer in the absence of technology for proper storage.
Characteristics
Appearance
English Old Ales have a rich and varying appearance, ranging from copper-red to very dark in color. These beers can be opaque, giving off a warm hue that invites you to enjoy its complexities.
Aroma
The aroma of an English Old Ale is a delightful sensory experience. With its prominent malty and sweet scent, hints of fruity esters, dried fruit, caramel, nut, toffee, and molasses contribute to the overall nose of high complexity. As the beer ages, the hop aroma decreases, and oxidative notes may emerge, adding further nuance to the overall aroma profile.
Flavor
English Old Ales boast a unique and complex taste, combining sweet and bitter flavors harmoniously. These strong ales have a distinct malt-heavy disposition and residual sweetness due to their lower attenuation. The flavor profile often includes notes of caramel, toffee, and dried fruits, reminiscent of a rich and indulgent dessert. Some Old Ales showcase vinous qualities, which add depth and character to the overall taste.
Ingredients and Brewing Process
To create a delicious English Old Ale, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of the key ingredients and the brewing process. We’ll explore these crucial components in this section.
Malt Grains
The malt foundation for an Old Ale typically consists of a robust base grain, such as Maris Otter pale malt, which imparts a rich and biscuity flavor to the beer. Specialty grains should be used in moderation to add complexity and depth. Consider incorporating:
- Fawcett Medium Crystal (65L)
- Briess Extra Special (130L)
- Black Patent malt
These grains contribute caramel, toffee, and nutty notes, as well as some dark color to the brew.
Hops
The focus of an Old Ale is on the malt profile, so hop usage should be restrained. However, a moderate level of bitterness is required to balance the sweet and rich malt flavors. The choice of hops should lean towards traditional English varieties such as:
- Fuggle
- East Kent Golding
- Target
These hops provide an earthy and floral character, which complements the malt-driven flavors. Aim for a target IBU (International Bitterness Units) level in the range of 35-60 to properly balance your ale.
Yeast
Yeast selection plays a crucial role in the flavor profile and fermentation of an Old Ale. English ale yeast strains are most suitable for this style due to their ability to generate fruity esters and handle higher alcohol levels. Choose a yeast strain that promotes a clean and well-rounded profile, such as:
- Wyeast 1968 London ESB
- White Labs WLP002 English Ale
Water
The quality and composition of the brewing water have a significant impact on the final beer. For an English Old Ale, water should have a balanced mineral content and replicate the characteristics of traditional English brewing water. Focus on the following aspects:
- A slightly elevated level of calcium to promote yeast health and fermentation
- Moderate levels of sulfate and chloride to accentuate malt and hop flavors
Fermentation and Aging
English Old Ales undergo a unique fermentation and aging process that contributes to their distinct flavors and aromas. The fermentation process typically involves the use of traditional English yeast strains known for their ability to ferment complex sugars, resulting in a beer with a rich, sweet profile. Some brewers also add Brettanomyces, a wild yeast strain, to introduce additional complexity and tartness to the final product.
During the aging process, oxidation plays a significant role in developing the characteristic flavors of an Old Ale. The slow, controlled exposure to oxygen imparts a wine-like quality and enhances the fruity, estery notes in the beer. This oxidation process is often facilitated by aging the beer in oak barrels, which allows for a consistent and desirable level of exposure to oxygen. The oak barrels can also impart additional flavors to the ale, such as vanilla and tannin-like notes.
The duration of the aging process in Old Ales can vary greatly depending on the desired outcome. Some breweries may age their beers for just a few months, whereas others may choose to age them for several years to further enhance the oxidation character and mellow out any harsh flavors. This extended aging process can result in a beer with a smooth and complex palate, boasting an array of flavors that include sweet, fruity, and earthy notes.
Beer Styles and Variations
In this section, we will delve into the various styles and variations of English Old Ales, looking specifically at Winter Warmers, Stock Ales, and Burton Ales. These styles share certain characteristics, yet each stands apart with its unique flavors and attributes.
Winter Warmers
Winter Warmers are a class of English Old Ales that typically have a higher alcohol content and a rich, malty profile. They are often brewed with a variety of spices and seasonal flavors, making them a perfect choice for cold winters. The ABV for Winter Warmers typically ranges from 6% to 8%, providing a warming sensation that is both enjoyable and comforting.
- Aroma: Malty, with hints of caramel, toffee, and spices
- Flavor: Rich maltiness, often balanced with subtle hop bitterness, and complemented by spices or fruit notes
- Color: Amber to dark brown
- Mouthfeel: Medium to full-bodied, with a smooth texture
Stock Ale
Stock Ales are another branch of English Old Ales, known for their long aging process. They often mature in bulk storage or bottles, contributing to a rich, wine-like oxidation character. Stock Ales also exhibit a pleasant maltiness and a smooth, sometimes sweet finish.
- Aroma: Caramel, toffee, and hints of dark fruit
- Flavor: Malty sweetness, with a touch of hop bitterness and oxidation
- Color: Copper-red to very dark
- Mouthfeel: Medium to full-bodied, with a further-smoothed texture due to aging
Burton Ale
Burton Ales, originally brewed in Burton-on-Trent, England, are a distinct style of English Old Ales characterized by a strong hop profile and high mineral content. The mineral-rich waters of Burton-on-Trent play a significant role in the taste of these beers, lending them a dry, crisp character with a strong, assertive bitterness.
- Aroma: Roasted malts, caramel, and pronounced hop presence
- Flavor: Combination of malt sweetness and firm hop bitterness, with a mineral-like finish
- Color: Amber to dark brown, with good clarity
- Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied, with a crisp, clean finish
These variations on English Old Ales exhibit a wide range of flavors and characteristics, showcasing the diversity within this classic beer style. Enjoy the rich maltiness of a Winter Warmer, the aged complexity of a Stock Ale, or the assertive hop character of a Burton Ale, and experience for yourself the rich history and unique charms of the English Old Ale tradition.
Alcohol Content and Gravities
English Old Ales are known for their strength, with an average alcohol content by volume (ABV) ranging from 6.0% to 8.0%. Some variants, such as winter warmers, can even reach 10% ABV or more. To give a better understanding of the alcohol content and gravities in these ales, let’s take a closer look at the original gravity (OG) and final gravity (FG).
The original gravity (OG) is a measure of the sugars in the beer wort before fermentation takes place. For English Old Ales, the range for OG is typically 1.044 – 1.056 (11-14 °Plato). The final gravity (FG) is a measure of the remaining sugars after fermentation completes, and it determines how dry or sweet the beer is. The FG range for these ales is usually 1.008 – 1.016 (2 – 4 °Plato).
With these gravities, a higher OG will generally result in more alcohol content, as there are more sugars available for the yeast to convert into alcohol. Meanwhile, a lower FG will result in a drier, crisper flavor, while a higher FG indicates a sweeter, maltier character.
The attenuation of the beer is another important aspect to consider. Attenuation refers to the percentage of sugar converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide during fermentation. A higher attenuation will lead to a drier beer, while a lower attenuation will make for a sweeter, maltier ale. English Old Ales typically have a medium to high attenuation, as they are known for their balanced flavors.
Balancing and Complexities
English Old Ale is a rich, complex beer characterized by its malty sweetness and fruity esters. The balance between malt, hop bitterness, and the unique characteristics derived from various ingredients and aging processes are key aspects of this traditional beer style.
The malt profile of Old Ale provides a solid foundation for the beer’s body and flavor, contributing to its sweetness. Using the right kind of malt, such as pale malt made from lightly kilned barley, is essential for crafting a good Old Ale. As the malt is boiled in water, it produces a sweet syrup called wort, which will then be fermented with yeast to create alcohol.
Old Ales have a relatively low carbonation, which contributes to their smooth and full-bodied mouthfeel. In addition, their acidic attributes often come from the extended aging process, typically in oak barrels. This aging process imparts an astringent character from the tannins in the wood and can expose the beer to bacteria like lactobacillus, further enhancing its complexity.
The presence of nutty, caramel, and molasses notes adds depth to the flavor profile of Old Ales. These complex flavors can be attributed to specialty malts, dried fruits, and the oxidative notes that develop during extended aging, similar to those found in Sherry or Port wines.
Bittering components in Old Ales are typically not overpowering, as their main focus is on balancing the malty-sweet character. The balance between malt and hop bitterness is crucial to achieve the desired harmony of flavors. Furthermore, the use of earthy or floral hops can complement the maltiness and fruity esters, providing a contrast to the sweetness without overshadowing it.
Notable Breweries and Ales
Greene King is a prominent brewery in England, known for producing a wide range of beers. One of their notable offerings in the old ale category is Strong Suffolk, a rich, malty brew that boasts complex flavors and a smooth finish. Strong Suffolk is created through a unique blending process, where two different beers are combined to achieve the ideal flavor profile. This beer has an ABV of around 6% and is perfect for those who appreciate a traditional English Old Ale.
Old Tom is another well-known old ale, crafted by the Robinsons Brewery. With a history dating back to the 19th century, Old Tom has garnered numerous awards and is regarded as one of the best old ales in the world. The beer is characterized by its rich, warming flavors, boasting notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and spices. At 8.5% ABV, Old Tom is a strong, full-bodied ale that delivers an unforgettable experience for those who try it.
When it comes to Yorkshire, the region is home to an impressive number of breweries. Some noteworthy examples include Timothy Taylor’s, known for producing the award-winning Landlord Pale Ale, and Black Sheep Brewery, which offers a variety of traditional cask ales, including their signature Black Sheep Ale. While these breweries may not specialize exclusively in old ales, they are definitely worth mentioning for their contributions to the rich tapestry of English beer.
Blending and Food Pairing
English Old Ales are fascinating and complex brews, often involving a combination of fresh and stale beers to create an intriguing taste profile. The blending process involves mixing young and aged ales, often matured in barrels, to form a harmonious beverage. While the base recipe for Old Ales may involve a robust malt backbone featuring caramel, toffee, and nutty notes, the blending process leads to additional layers of complexity that characterize this unique beer style.
The rich and layered flavors of Old Ales open up a world of possibilities for food pairing. From a confident and knowledgeable perspective, the malt-forward nature of these brews pairs well with meat dishes, especially lamb. The caramel and toffee undertones create a complementary backdrop for the rich, fatty flavors found in this type of meat. Moreover, the nutty notes also prove to be a nice match for dishes utilizing pecans or almonds.
When pairing Old Ales with more delicate dishes, like seafood, the key is to match the beer’s intensity and acidity levels. For instance, oily fish with a rich sauce or hearty chowder pairs well with the maltiness and complexity of Old Ales, creating a balanced and enjoyable dining experience.
A brief but clear guide to Old Ale food pairings may include:
- Robust meats: Lamb, beef, or game
- Rich sauces: Hearty stews, gravies, or mushroom sauces
- Nutty dishes: Walnut salads, pecan-crusted chicken, or almond-crusted fish
- Pungent cheeses: Blue cheeses, aged cheddar, or smoked gouda
- Hearty seafood: Oily fish or shellfish with rich sauces
- Decadent desserts: Fruit pies, bread puddings, or chocolate-based treats like truffles or mousse
English Old Ale in the Beer World
English Old Ale, a traditional form of strong ale, has a rich history in the beer world. Often dark and malty, these ales typically boast an ABV above 5%, although some variations can be found. Known for their complex flavors and a pleasant balance between sweetness and acidity, English Old Ales have become a contemporary favorite.
Traditional Old Ales showcase a unique character brought about by the mix of fruity esters and dark malts. The fruity esters lend a slightly sweet, almost wine-like quality to the beer, while the dark malts provide an opulent, rich backbone. When combined, this creates a robust and flavorful beer experience that sets old ales apart from other beer styles, such as pale ales or lighter mild ales.
Historically, old ales were often aged in barrels, contributing to their complex flavor profiles. This aging process naturally led to acidity, which became a defining characteristic of the style. Over time, barrel aging fell by the wayside, but the preference for the taste of old ales persisted. Modern brewers now blend aged portions with fresh beer to achieve the same desirable complexity.
The English beer scene is diverse and wide-ranging, encompassing lighter styles like the pale ale and the India pale ale, as well as heavier, bolder options like barley wines and old ales. Seasonal brews also add to this variety, incorporating adjuncts such as spices or fruits to create distinctive and exciting flavors.
One influential figure in the beer world, the late Michael Jackson, was a notable fan of English Old Ales. His appreciation for the style brought attention to their unique qualities and inspired many others to explore this fascinating corner of the beer world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main characteristics of an English Old Ale?
English Old Ales are generally copper-red to dark in color and may have a complex estery character. They can be aged, which leads to a wide range of appearances, from light amber to dark reddish-brown. The aroma is typically malty, sweet, with fruity esters, caramel, nut, toffee, and molasses notes. The flavor is focused on malt complexity, including caramel-like, nutty, and molasses flavors.
What are some popular Old Ale brands?
(Commercial Examples)
How does Old Ale differ from Stout?
Old Ales and Stouts are both dark beers, but their flavor profiles are distinct. Old Ales emphasize malt and estery complexity with caramel, nut, and molasses flavors, while Stouts typically have more roasted and coffee-like flavors, sometimes with chocolate or bitter notes. The aging process contributes to the flavor differences as well, as Old Ales often have an aged or oxidized quality, while Stouts are typically fresher and more robust in flavor.
What ingredients are commonly used in Old Ale recipes?
Common ingredients in Old Ale recipes include various types of malt, particularly those imparting caramel and molasses flavors, as well as hops that are chosen for their balance and ability to contribute to the overall flavor profile. Yeast strains that produce esters and fruity compounds also play a key role in Old Ale’s unique character.
Is English Old Ale the same as Strong Ale?
Old Ale is a type of Strong Ale, signifying that it has a relatively high alcohol content compared to other types of beer. However, not all Strong Ales are considered Old Ales; categorizations are based on factors such as brewing process, ingredients, and flavor profile.
What is the BJCP style guideline for Old Ales?
The Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) provides guidelines for judging beer styles, including Old Ale. The guidelines describe an Old Ale’s color as ranging from 12-30 SRM (Standard Reference Method), bitterness from 30-65 IBU (International Bitterness Units), and alcohol content between 6.3-9.1% ABV (Alcohol by Volume). Additionally, the BJCP recommends serving Old Ales in a snifter glass at 50-55°F for optimal aroma and taste.
