Advent Calendar 2023, Day 12. An Old Ale now. I don't even remember when I had had a chance to enjoy an Old Ale last time. Too long ago anyway. The beer. Right. Portrays turbid, deep brown. Carbonation is a bit sad but manages to raise its head up and kick off a pale fawn head that falls short of one finger. The foamy lid dissolves quickly. The surface is then flat still. Date, raisin and caramel can be spotted in the scent. Quite tame though. I allow the beer to warm up more until I start to enjoy sweet malty notes better. The flavor side is gentle and velvety. Sweet malt with a distinct caramelly twist, date, raisin, cookie, milk chocolate, a drop of cream and a nutty note. A generous array of nuances. The hoppy sector is noticeable but surprisingly subtle. Alcohol is totally absent. Enjoyable but could show more character. The body is full. Sufficient, not enormous. The finish doesn't really step out from the beaten path. Why should it? Okay, it reduces the complexity. The aftertaste used to work in the stock; union's been on strike, it's down on the luck, it's tough, so tough. The mouthfeel is full, mellow, round, velvety, gentle, moderately creamy, medium-rich but not particularly deep though. Can't brag about complexity. It has sophistication and had been beautifully aged but lacks character. Even too easy. Would work nicely with a live fire in the fireplace, with no beer app disturbing the enjoyment.

Goûte trop l'alcool en plus aucune mousse