Upright Brewing Company Billy the Mountain Old Ale at 8% ABV (C$16.07 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 750 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 1-Apr-2017, reviewed 20-Aug-2017)
Appearance: somewhat murky amber-brown with one finger of loose beige head diminishing gradually to a thin ring, patchy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: tart red berries, caramel, molasses, leather, hint of chocolate. (8/10) Taste: moderate tart, moderate sweet, low bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, dry tart finish. (4/5)
Once again I find myself doubting the conventional wisdom regarding the classification of a beer. Old Ales are supposed to be malty and sweet, occupying a space somewhere between “regular” ales and barleywines. I checked the BJCP description for Old Ale just to be sure, but you know what adjective is significant in its absence? Tart. And, believe you me, this is tart – nearly Flanders Red / Oude Bruin. Yes, there’s malt going on here, including a hint of chocolate, but it’s dominated by tart red berries. Another significant absence is any funkiness attributable to the brettanomyces the brewer notes claim, and I wonder if an extended period of cellaring might awaken that aspect. Good stuff, though, regardless of what you call it. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
