Arthur's Old Ale
Otto's Pub and Brewery

 

A handpull at Otto's.

A: The ale arrives with a quarter of a finger of white head, far more than I was expecting from a cask. The lacing isn't as robust but it does last for over half the glass. The old ale is turbulent, dark with sediment and murkiness floating around. Opacity rules the day, clouding over the dark maroon/brown color of the ale.

S: The nose is bold, strong enough to push into Quad territory in terms of strength. Dark raisins and breads add spiciness that is accentuated by the handpump.

T: I'm sticking with my quad comparison. Dark fruits and spices pep up the ale, bringing anise, raisins, and darker breads into the mix. The cask, I think, accentuates these flavors, bringing them to the forefront. The strength of the ale stands out, significantly bigger than either of the two lagers that preceded it. Despite the darker color and taste, caramel malts are as bold as that side gets.

M: The mouthfeel is spicy and complex, plenty of differing flavors rearing their heads. If I had more time, I'd dig into another pint or two and really enjoy the nuance.

O: A smart move to put this beer on cask, bringing out the full flavor spectrum. I made a good choice with this one.

A: Deep hazy brown pour with a nicely sized slight off white head. The retention and lacing are good

S: Not a big smell. Some light roasty malts.

T: Malt forward and the taste bit of spiciness. Maybe a slight smokiness. Flavor seems toned down.

MF: Nice dry finish, not a lot of carbonation. Heavier body than I thought, pretty creamy

D: Not bad, alcohol creeps up on you.

On cask at Otto's on 4/5/08.

A - Deep mahogany body with ruby highlights and 1/2-finger tan head that left some sparse lacing.

S - Earthy hops, yeast and a faint smokiness. Hints of licorice and dark fruit, specifically raisins.

T - Dark fruit, spicy yeast and mild earthy hops are at the forefront. There's a smokey flavor in the finish, as well as some musty, funky yeast.

M - Medium body with a fairly thick, syrupy texture that leaves a bit of oily residue on the tongue. While it's smooth, there is also a mild gritty, earthy mouthfeel that's present more in the finish. Alcohol is well concealed.

D - A bit too earthy for my personal preference, but still a decent cask offering all-around. Quite a complex brew.

A-Deep clear, dark brown with a nice fluffy tan head that reduced into a thin film leaving nice lacing.

S-Coff and toffee maltness. Hints of smokiness...Scotch-like. Bits of dark fruit too...raisins. Hints of alcohol in the nose too.

T-Very similar to the aroma profile. Alcohol warming present...slightly smokey finsih.

M-Medium-heavy body. Very smooth with a dry finish.

D-Very smooth and easy to drink. A little too astringent in the finish for me.