Old Stock 2: Review Boogaloo

North Coast Brewing Co.

in a shameful review from earlier in the summer, Big Love disgustingly wrote about North Coast's Old Stock Ale while he was drunk! disgraceful. I thought that I would revisit this beer and provide a level-headed opinion not tainted by pints upon pints of "..I looove you, man" juice. (I'm guessing that typing the words man and juice together will accidentally bring a few unsuspecting Google searchers to this site. if so .... hi, new friends! there's plenty more innuendo in our other reviews, so stay a spell!) well, I thought that I would be able to sample this with a fresh mind, but I'm pretty sure I was drunk by the third sip. I had to photograph this beer beside my hardbar bottles as at 12% ABV, it seemed appropriate. 12%?! I'm a little shocked that it was only 12%. I could smell the alcohol in this one from across my apartment. granted, my apartment isn't very big, but it's no yurt.

the 2008 Old Stock Ale poured the colour of iced tea with deep, deep orange hues. the head went away instantly and this bottle had little to no carbonation. I've read other reviews of this beer, including Big Love's, stating that the carbonation was very lively, so I'm not sure what's up with this. the aroma was straight up rum! very sweet with a very hot smell of alcohol. just taking a whiff of this one instantly relieved my headache. I was a bit startled when that alcoholic heat didn't come through as strong in the taste, in fact the Old Stock was very smooth. big sweet fruits (hi again, accidental Googlers!) were delivered at first and finished with some sour ones. I tasted plum, grapefruit, honey, vanilla, and some wood. as the beer warmed up, the ratio of these taste began to change. at room temperature, the wood tastes really dominated. although I loved this beer overall, I have to admit that I tossed the final two sips down the drain as I the woodiness was too much for me (I know, I know).

this beer is not going to be for everyone. at 12%, it's not really sessionable nor an easy-drinker. from watching documentaries on the Discovery Channel, I gather that Old Stock Ale is the beer equivalent of an African safari or a trip to India, more of an adventure than a holiday.

A-