Episode 162 – Gale’s Prize Old Ale

From George Gale & Company Ltd in the United Kingdom this is a 9% ABV Old Ale. Traditionally Old Ales are filled with dextrins which are meant to provide huge amounts of body to a beer. This means at 9% ABV a balancing act has to be played between the ABV and the body of the beer. The nose of this beer was amazing – chocolate covered cherries warmth simply wonderful. The taste however… well… we’ve never been quite so – surprised – on Two Guys on Beer before. Take a watch.

  • Schafchar

    Should try Yorkshire Stingo. Good old ale/ barleywine.

  • J_nechvatal

    You should try “Old Stock Ale” from North Coast Brewing. Excellent beer and 12.5%ABV!

  • geezer

    Wow, I’m surprised at that reaction. 2005 would be pre the Fullers takeover I suppose. I enjoyed the reaction to it. I’m currently working my way throug h a case of 2007 vintage (one bottle every 6 months or so) and have found them all to be demanding but tasty. Extreme sourness when young, which has mellowed considerably over time, plum pudding and they have all poured with a healthy head. These have crown caps not corks. I wonder if 2 years down the line they’ll come out like yours. It’s certainly not a first beer or one for the middle of summer. Try another batch sometime (or at least one from another batch).

  • http://davemartorana.com Dave Martorana

    Absolutely! That’s why we left the possibility of spoilage. The taste was conducive of nothing Old-Ale-ish, so we’re gonna grab another vintage and give it another try.

  • Chris

    I agree folks, I recently came across a case of the 2005 vintage which I purchased. Sadly the first bottle was spoiled the cork had cracked leaving the brew undrinkable. Fortunately I opened two mothers from the case which did not have the cork issue. However, I agree with Dave and Johnny the noise is promising but the taste is a big let down. In the past year I’ve had the 2003 and 2007 vintage both were better than the 2005. I would rate them in the mid 80′s.