From the Brewery: 

“Like a fine port, Old Stock Ale is intended to be laid down. With an original gravity of over 1.100 and a generous hopping rate, Old Stock Ale is well-designed to round out and mellow with age. It’s brewed with classic Maris Otter malt and Fuggles and East Kent Goldings hops, all imported from England.” 11.7% ABV Old Ale

The Pour: 

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a snifter (though I lost about 1/4 of the bottle – see final thoughts). The body is a hazy, amber-orange color, with moderate carbonation visible. Very little head is poured, and minimal lacing is left on the glass (though I’m still fighting some dishwasher residue on my snifter…).

The Nose: 

Candied caramel sweetness is the most aromatic component, with additional scents of dark dried fruit, molasses, a bready/biscuity quality, and a faint tinge of apricot.

The Mouth: 

A medium-rich syrupy body and very smooth going down, finishing dry with little carbonation or hop presence. The flavors begin with a bit of an alcoholic cough syrup characteristic, before giving way to the candied caramel malt base. More dark fruit and brown sugar comes through, as well as lingering light maltiness on the palate.

Final Thoughts: 

I certainly wasn’t planning on reviewing this beer this morning, but was forced into by a bit of clumsiness on my part. I was rearranging my beer fridge, and this one slipped and fell on the garage floor. It didn’t shatter, but it started foaming out from under the cap, so I frantically got my note taking supplies and camera ready. It’s a rough life…

Old Stock Ale probably has had enough age on it to fully enjoy, as the alcohol presence has really smoothed out and mellowed for such a large beer. In fact, its ABV and starting gravity seem to put it more in the barley wine category than an old ale. It was a pretty enjoyable drink, with a good depth that all lean to the malty, sweet (and dry) finish. Maybe I’ll try to find another bottle of 2012 and do a comparative review in a few years. 8.5/10.

North Coast Brewing Company – Fort Bragg, California