Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

British and North American Styles

The Changing Definition of Style

Old Ale

Sometimes referred to as stock or keeping ales, old ales are eponymously named for being aged months, or even years, through bottle conditioning or bulk storage in wooden tuns. Originally brewed before the Industrial Revolution as a complement to mild ales, old ales are medium-to-full bodied, malt-driven ales that range in color from amber to very dark brown.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range Quality Band
96-100 points Platinum
90-95 points Gold
85-90 points Silver
80-84 points Bronze
Less than 80 Not Recommended
Legend
  • = Brewpub
  • ABV = Alcohol by volume
  • Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

95 Arctic Alchemy Old Ale, Fegley’s Brew Works (PA). 12% ABV (3/12)

Hazy brown copper color. Mild aromas of cocoa, molasses, sherry and sautéed nut with a supple dryish medium-to-full body and a chewy chocolate candy bar and peppery hop finish.

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