Old Ale
6% ABV | ?? IBU

Pours completely opaque and jet black. Head is roughly 1/2 inch of espresso-foam.
Not much for aroma - although in the interest of full disclosure this probably has more to do with my blocked sinuses than the beer. What I can pick up is near-burnt roastyness, with some coffee, and a little metallic sort of tinge.
Taste is hugely malty… coffee & unsweetened chocolate. The coffee carries an almost berry-like fruitiness, which quickly turns bitter as the roasty notes and earthy, tea-leafy English hops take over for a big dry finish. Aftertaste is slightly piney, with a little peat smoke. Another sip easily alleviates any lasting astringence, dousing the palate with another big dose of malty sweetness. This back and forth makes Old Engine Oil a dangerously fast sipper, though at 6%, it won’t put you over the top.
Very full on the palate, but not quite enough to evoke a fair comparison to the name. It’s engulfing without being syrupy, and while the aftertaste is long and puckery, the beer itself doesn’t stick in your mouth the way many wood-aged beers and super-imperial stouts tend to do.

8.8/10

Tags: 8/10, Brews in Brief, harviestoun, old ale, old engine oil
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