Sierra Nevada / Fuller’s Brewery Beer Camp Across the World: Atlantic-Style Vintage Ale English Strong Ale at 8.5% ABV | 40 IBU (US$2.15 at Beer Thirty Bottle Shop & Pour House, 355 ml, packaged on 13-Apr-2017, acquired 21-Jun-2017, reviewed 22-Jun-2017)
Appearance: clear medium amber with one fat finger of rocky off-white head diminishing gradually to a persistent cap, moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: plums, bready caramel, red berries, wood. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter, light tart. (7/10) Medium-full body dropping off slightly thin, moderate carbonation, off-dry warming and slightly astringent finish. (3/5)
I’m not entirely sure how best to classify this: arguably it might be considered either an Old Ale or an English Strong, but with hints of Barleywine in any case. And, yes, I guess that does indicate a decent degree of depth and complexity, at least to some extent. But the mouth feel, initially medium-full, drops off fairly rapidly, leaving the dark fruit flavours feeling slightly astringent in the finish. I guess it’s possible that ageing would integrate and smooth this out somewhat, but I’m not sure it’s got a sufficiently heavy body for that. (In any case, I’m not buying more to age, so it’s somewhat academic.) (14/20)
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
