2011 North Coast Brewing Old Stock Ale

It was a busy day that ended with fast and furious yard work before the sun went down and I was looking forward to pouring a brew. One that I received for my Birthday back in Sept was North Coast Brewing's Old Stock Ale (2011 release). At 11.9% ABV, it's a heavy weight but doesn't drink like it. This bad boy is fantastic.

Aggressive pour produced a minimal caramel colored head and lacing. Color is opaque and muddled orange. Nosing brings forth big malty goodness and mild hops. There's a lot going on with the entry; big caramel, coffee, chocolate, dark fruit/raisins with a chewy, boozy profile and a perfect amount of hops influence (IMO).

From the North Coast website: "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."

This is a big drinker and one I'm going after to put down in the beer bunker. A great pour and a must buy.