1888 Old Ale
Devil's Creek Brewery

 

Fat Tire is an interesting comparison. I sort of see where the previous reviewer was coming from. This beer, to me, wasn't nearly as sweet and fruity...

Should tell you a lot, because this beer in no way was reminiscent of an old ale. Blind tasting, I would've maybe said an unfiltered amber ale or maybe more likely an English pale mild. The description for the beer's ingredients touts the Maris Otter and treacle as its key ingredients. So, yes, it's bready, biscuity, with a pleasant, low-mid level, mildly tea-tannic bitterness. Maybe marginal sweetness, but hardly dextrin-rich and boozy. No outstanding booze characteristic to it.

As I've eluded, it seems a bit rustic with an unfiltered, hazy definition to its flavors, and while it was served too cold to immediately experience its subtle toasty, grassy nuances, it was good enough to warrant a return visit to sample some of their other brews. If you're into semi-earthy, farm-fresh malty pale ales, this will be your thing. Definitely not an old ale, but definitely not a flavor profile you'll find in most craft breweries. Perhaps higher marks if it's rebranded, re-categorized.

Review from notes, on tap at the brewery the night before the grand opening.

Appearance- amber to orange-red coloration, clear, with a light head that left slight rings around the glass.

Aroma- roasted barley, some citrus in the background as well

Taste- Caramel and wheat malts, with just a touch of some citrus acidity. Medium-low hop bitterness on the finish.

Mouthfeel- medium-light on the tongue, with a lasting flavor that doesn't overstay its welcome.

Overall, I love this beer. I'm sad that I can't get it here in Maryland. It's very similar to New Belgium's Fat Tire, but with a fuller flavor and just better in every way. Very refreshing. I would encourage anyone in the area to stop in and give it a try.