Old Ale

An ale of moderate to fairly significant alcoholic strength, bigger than standard bitters and brown ales, though usually not as strong as barleywine.

Moderate to strong malt aroma with caramel, toffee, dried dark fruit, and vinous qualities. Possible light oxidative or leather notes from aging. Low hop aroma. Alcohol warmth. Complex and aged character.

Light amber to very dark reddish-brown, 10-22 SRM. Clear. Off-white to tan head with moderate retention. May deepen with age.

Rich malt flavor with caramel, toffee, dark fruit, and possible vinous or oxidative notes from aging. Low to moderate hop bitterness. Alcohol warmth. Semi-sweet to dry finish. Complex with age.

Medium to full body with low to moderate carbonation. Smooth with alcohol warmth. Some vinous tannin from aging. Rich and complex texture.

An ancient English brewing tradition of strong, aged ales, with roots stretching back to the medieval period. Old ales were stored in wooden vats for months to years, developing complex flavors. Greene King's 5X (blended into Old Speckled Hen) and Theakston's Old Peculier are surviving examples. The tradition predates modern temperature-controlled fermentation.

What is Old Ale beer?

Old Ale (BJCP 17B) — a complex, aged, moderately strong British ale. Style guide and specs.

What is the ABV of Old Ale?

Old Ale has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5.5-9.0%.

How bitter is Old Ale beer?

Old Ale measures 30-60 IBU (International Bitterness Units).

What are some examples of Old Ale beers?

Theakston Old Peculier, Greene King Abbot Ale, Marston's Owd Rodger, Gale's Prize Old Ale