Old
Last night we served Adnams Old for the first time. The cask's tipped already, but there are still a few gallons left. I'm impressed by the sour notes, and suspect the 2009 vintage is better than previous years. It isn't quite as good as Harvey's Old Ale (probably the best example of the style available on draught), but it's nearly there.
Traditionally, old ales were dark, malty beers consumed in the winter months that had first been matured at the brewery.
8 comments:
I do like old ales, but are the like of Adnams, Highgate old ale, Harvey's old ale just a modern version of a best or strong mild?
Sort of an off topic question Bell, but I'm sure you'll be able to handle it. Ever order any beer from Jarrow?
Rivet Catcher was on the telly last night on a program called Three Sheets. Landlord was also pictured, but the idiot who hosts never mentioned it. John Smiths Extra Cold Smooth was mentioned as being this great ale from the North East. I nearly puked!
John Smith's is from Yorkshire, not the North East. The Jarrow Brewery is now based in South Shields - my home town - and the brewpub is only a short walk from my parents' house. I visited last December. Here's my write-up. I haven't ordered any beers from Jarrow because they've never shown up on my supplier's list. If they did, I'd be in there like a shot. Jarrow is one of my favourite micros.
Even more off-topic.
My theory about East Europeans being the sign of a good pub.
It seems whenever I see a group of East Europeans who have made a pub their local there's normally some interesting beer on offer.
Likewise Germans.
Unfortunately the reverse is true of South Africans. Not because they don't appreciate good beer but I full their company uniformly arrogant and loud.
As I say it's just a theory and probably needs more investigation.
I'm a fan of Adnams Old Ale, good choice! Been meaning to pop into the Gunmakers for a while now, but being an out-of-towner, as well as someone who spends most of the year working abroad, chances are limited. November could be promising though, fingers crossed...
"Traditionally, old ales were dark, malty beers consumed in the winter months that had first been matured at the brewery."
In what sense are you using the word "traditionally" here? Dark and matured at the brewery - I reckon that would give you a window of about 1880 to 1910.
I don't really sweat the details, Ron. I just want to give a flavour.
Harvey's old is a cracking ale I have to say. I would be interested to try the Adnams from your comments.
Post a Comment