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Description
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Old Ales reflect a beer style available before brewing restrictions that were introduced during the First World War. Contrary to popular belief, Old Ales do not have to be strong, with some Old Ales available at 4%, although the Old Ales on offer at this festival are all between 5%-6%. Old Ales can be full of complex flavours, rich fruity malts, tart fruits and spicy hop notes. Darker versions will have a more profound malt character with powerful hints of roasted grain and dark fruits, with some people able to detect aromas of polished leather and fresh tobacco (neither of which is actually part of the brewing process). The hallmark of the style remains a lengthy period of maturation in the brewery, during which complex flavours develop.
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