Church Brew English Old Ale
Church Brew Works

This was probably one of the standouts at Church Brew Works during my visit. Had the sampler first, and then a pint of this one, which wasn't included in the sampler. A typical, but inviting looking amber, decent clarity, with a nice head on there. Smells like a sturdy mix of toasted malts and nice spicy hops, as well as a nice old dusty scent. Taste is much more active and alive than the scent lead to believe. There's almost a citric hop bite along with the typical English-style spicyness, and a nice yeasty quality that almost reminds of Belgian yeast, but I don't think it could be... could it? I don't know... A nice fruity, estery quiality to this beer as well. Lots going on, but I don't know if I'd call it an old ale per se. Seems more like and English strong ale to me, but maybe some aging would mellow it out a little bit. Either way, it's a great beer, and one of the more interesting selections at Church Brew Works.