Tony Packo's 80th Anniversary Ale
Great Black Swamp Brewing Co.

 

 

Well, this is a pale ale, not an old ale, so the style choice is beyond me. Particularly given that the information is relatively easy to find, I don't know why old ale was chosen.

Sold in bombers at shops all over Toledo as well as on tap at Packo's (and other locations), I picked up a bottle at the Middle Grounds. My review is from notes.

It's a pale, slightly hazy yellow-gold in the glass. It clears up after the pour, though, and ends up with a 3/4 finger tall white head after starting off big and bubbly. Lots of heavy spotting is left, and there's some patching with legs dropped on the glass as well.
It's definitely a pale ale, as attested by the level of hoppiness. it's no IPA, but it is to par for the style. It's simple, but not too simple; there's some depth to it. Grassy and floral, the light hops allow the rye to spice things up just enough without biting too hard. Some light pale and biscuity malts are enough to balance while allowing the hops to some forward. Nicely done overall.
It's light-bodied and plenty crisp with a nice flow to it. I think rye adds a bit of heft to it that takes a little bit away from the cleanness. Crispness follows all the way into the finish.

22oz bottle. No idea what this is. Given to me, kind of as a gag. No style or ABV info on the label.

Overcarbonated. Two and a half fingers of head. Petrified foam comprised of really big bubbles. Won't budge. Beer is a hazy amber color. Looks ok.

Toasty pale malts in the nose. Hops waft out with hints of grassiness and herbal notes. Perhaps, a touch of pomme. Fairly sweet-smelling.

Perfumey hops and earthy malts pair up together. Toasty notes, herbal notes, pilsner malts, grassiness, Bosc pear, and huskiness. Some nuttiness from what appears to be bottle-conditioning.

Salty carbonation. Husky in the body. Not particularly smooth.

Trying to figure this beer out. Surprisingly, it's enjoyable enough to easily finish the bomber.