Shenandoah Brewing Company
Alexandria, VA
Available: VA
Old Rag Mountain Ale is conditioned for about three weeks in oak casks from a local distiller. Those casks were originally used to condition bourbon for a two- to four-year period. As Old Rag sits in those casks, the ale soaks up some bourbon character, resulting in a unique mountain brew.
ABV: 7
ABW: 5.6
Color: n/a
Bitterness: 15-20
Original gravity: 1070-1074
The aromatics alone are enough to make one fall in love with this beer. Intense, rich malt aromas predominate with an open and irresistible invitation. The promise of the nose is completely fulfilled as this beer crosses into the void, whetting one’s whistle merrily. There’s a good strong alcohol presence here—a joyful destiny! Caramel and even toffee undertones cry out for appreciation. A beer worth the trip to Virginia, even if one has to pass through Washington on the way. A signature presentation and literally good to the last drop!
As black as stout, this beer raises a rocky, tan head that quickly recedes. The aroma is strange, sweet and vanilla-like, with maple notes. It gives the impression of having been aged in oak, though there’s no mention of this on the label. On the palate, the beer is quite sweet, with the hops taking a back seat to the candyish malt, which plays through to the finish. Bourbon casks, perhaps? A strange beer that might grow on you. It could be nice with sweeter dishes (venison in a black cherry sauce) or desserts, or perhaps some Stilton. The label says it’s a “heavy Scottish ale,” but I don’t think they’d recognize this in Scotland.
As chance would have it, I recently tasted this Scottish-style ale at the brewery (in Alexandria, VA). The brew is finished in a whiskey cask from the nearby distillery, Virginia Gentleman. It is a big, strong beer, dark in color (ruby to black), with a distinct aroma: American whiskey. Imagine fresh oak, with plenty of vanilla sweetness, being well-toasted, then soaked with a spirit based on corn and rye. Put beer in there for a week or two and you have something sweetish and rich, with a suggestion of caramel vanilla and maple syrup.
Fred Eckhardt lives, writes about and drinks beer in Portland, OR. He is the author of The Essentials of Beer Style and Saké.
Internationally recognized brewer and expert on traditional beer, Garrett Oliver is the brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery and the author of The Brewmaster's Table.
Author of Ultimate Beer, the Simon & Schuster Guide to Beer and numerous other works on drinks, Michael Jackson has created legions of converts to fine beer.
