Greene King Strong Suffolk (Olde Suffolk)

Brewed by Greene King
Style: Old Ale
Bury St. Edmunds, England

THishas traditional written all over it. Lots of dark fruits let down by a thin body. This would be pretty good amped up a notch or two

Pours dark brown with a thin off white ring of bubbles. Smells of raisins, cherries, figs, molasses, some spice, citrus. Tastes of earthy, fruit, citrus, some tartness, a nice touch of bitterness on the finish. Very enjoyable.

(Bottle from Morrisons, Norwich) Poured a dark brown with a good looking dark murky brown head. Smellsed of strong dark malt with chocolate and a bit nuttiness/oakiness. Was looking forward to a great big oaky taste but it never really came. Dark chocolate malt was the prominant flavour with maybe a little bit of oak, but nowhere near as complex or interesting as others have made it seem. It just seemed like a good, solid, old ale. Maybe I was expecting too much, but this was a little disappointing. However, this is perfectly drinkable.

Dark brown colored pour with small brown head. Sweet, malty, fruity aroma. Chocolate, malty, bitter finish.

bottle, dark brown pour with plenty of tan lace, good aromas of caramel and oaky vanilla, flavor is much the same with some good metallics, very smooth quaffable ale

Bottle into red wine glass. Pours dark brown with a thin, soapy off-white head. Some spotty lacing. Nose is big and oaky, lots of vanilla, tons of buttery toffee, a bit bready, some sweet, over-ripe fruit hiding out as well. Rich and sweet. As the beer warms, the vanilla recedes somewhat and you get some light tannins coming through as well. Taste up front is lightly acidic, with a light earthy bitterness, and some notable tannins. This gives way to more toffee towards the finish, with a soft, woody, acidity persisting as well. Finish is juicy, lingering tannins and a light, subtle earthy bitterness staying on the tongue. Mouthfeel is very lightly (almost under-) carbonated, medium bodied, though just a hair watery at times. Forced carbonation does this one a noticable disservice. Very drinkable, with a sense of refinement and depth of flavor that belie the low abv. Overall, a tasty beer that exudes class in the same way the smell of old leather does. It’s a shame this one isn’t bottle-conditioned, as that could really be the final leg needed to elevate this into a whole other realm.

16.9 oz bottle. Dark copper/brown body with mohagany highlights when held up to the light. Short, off-white head. Big caramel candy-like aroma with sweet notes of molasses, vanilla, plums, nuts and a hint of mustiness. The flavor is moderately sweet, moderately acidic and very lightly bitter. The finish leaves a bit more bittnerness along with a tartness. Slight oxidation is evident. Medium body with a watery texture and lively carbonation. Unique, complex and very enjoyable.

bottle at Coles Barleywine Tasting 2009. Part of michael Jacksons beer of the month club.C armel colored with deep red hues. Aromas of fruit, sweet malts, wood. Taste is sweet with woody oakiness, fruitiness. very smooth, elegant & pretty easy to drink