Old Tavern Mouse
The New Old Lompoc

A good guess (later verified) might be that this small beer is brewed from the second runnings of Lompoc’s barleywine, Old Tavern Rat. That might explain the name. I’m inclined to believe a different yeast strain is at work however – one suggesting an ESB or alt heritage, or something with a similar tang. The Mouse emits a fresh aroma of light malts and punchy yeast character. It is dark honey-oak, lean bodied, and has a pleasing yet dour aftertaste. It can be just slightly cloying on the tongue. But good lace and appropriate carbonation round it out as another expert beer from Lompoc.

Note: I've listed OTM here as a dark mild, but it is more properly a small beer.