Firetrail Old Ale
Whitewall Brewing Company

Poured from growler I picked up last week, at the brewery. An attractive, slightly hazy medium-dark brown color, with about 1/2 inch of tan head that had moderate retention and good lacing.

A healthy dose of smoke floated out the top of the growler upon opening. On a deeper sniff, the base grains shine through, and maybe a bit of earthy hops as well. But, daaammn, dat smoke yo! Not as smoke dominant on the tongue, while still being solidly smoky. There's are some underlying tones of of leather and tobacco, aspects I look for in the base style of "Old Ale".

The body was smooth and light, for the style, and perhaps a touch lighter than I would prefer, but this is about as easy-drinking a strong smokey beer as you're likely to find. Drinkability is great, I fully anticipate soloing this growler. Overall, a really good brew. A must try if you see it, and worth going out of your way for, if you happen to be in the Puget Sound area.

Pleasant caramel taste with a bitter edge. Clear dark brownish amber with a modest foam in the Wander tulip. Dark and roasted malt with a butterscotch aftertaste. Plenty of sweet malt, and I swear it's Cracker Jacks, though not excessive. Then there is that bitter, dirty, fruity hop taste, but again it doesn't dominate. Interesting beer.

This is pretty much the classic Old Ale, even with that peculiar hint of spoiled fruit that must be an English genetic thing. This doesn't taste very strong, but the alcohol is definitely there. From the 32 oz growler purchased at Whitewall's brewery north of Marysville.