Wold Top Brewery Shepherd’s Watch (Canadian Edition 2016) Old Ale at 6% ABV (2016 Craft Beer Advent Calendar #19, 330 ml, best before 31-Jul-2017, acquired 25-Sep-2016, reviewed 19-Dec-2016)
Appearance: nearly opaque deep brown with amber-brown highlights, one finger of fluffy tan head diminishing rapidly to nothing, spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: molasses, dark fruit, toffee. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (6/10) Palate: medium body tending somewhat to watery, moderate carbonation, off-dry moderately bitter finish. (3/5)
I was somewhat disappointed to find that Advent day #19 was a repeat beer for me, one that I tried only 8 months ago. Having found it a bit thin at that time, I decided to drink it considerably warmer, and allowed it to get up to about 15ºC. That may have helped somewhat, but to completely honest, I still don’t see a significant difference between this “Canadian Edition” and the original one I had, so here those original notes: “Not unpleasant. Somewhat surprising bitterness in the finish keeps the sweetness under control, without getting astringent. Drinkable example of the style.” (12/20)
6/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
