J.T. Whitneys Old Ale

Sampled on draught at the pub- Pours a clear but dark reddish brown colour with a medium sized beige head. Aroma was pleasent, sweet of apples, raisins, almonds and maple syrup. Flavors were generous of caramel malt, and toffee. Decent beer overall.

Draft at the brewpub. Poured a clear dark orange/brown color. Head was light tan and left some lace behind. Aroma was of brown sugar, light alcohol, and apple. Smelled a bit like cheap malt liquor. Although I had expected none, there was mild bitterness. The flavor was earthy with dirt covered potato and other root stock. There was also a bit of nondescript spice and a hint of raisin. Not a whole lot of personality, most of the flavors were understated. So so at best.

I prefer this old ale to many I’ve tried by some big name micro brewers. I do not know how the old batches turned out but they just came out with a new batch that is great. Not a style I really like but I sure like this. It reminds me of sierra nevada big foot barley wine in some respects. This and the gran crue, barley wine and smoke porter are quite impressive.

On tap at JT Whitney’s

For my birthday I hit up the local brewpub to try a few things which I’ve yet to sample. It is a decent place with drinkable beer though nothing that will change your world. Still, if you happen to be in Madison it is worth a stop for lunch and a sampler tray. This was my first pour and probably the best of the three.

Aroma / Appearance - After waiting a few minutes for the ice cold glass to thaw, I finally ventured a sniff. The nose was an interesting mixture of cherries, caramel, malt, honey and musty old bookshelves. The one finger cream colored head rested on top of a translucent brown body which started dark. As the light filtered to the bottom it became lighter, ending with a hazel tone at the base.

Flavor / Palate - A strong bitter and malty impression hit the senses first. After that came some hoppiness which was layered on a caramel and resin foundation. The finish was a combination of malt battered cherries and fresh tea leaves with maple syrup in the background. Overall this was a pretty decent session beer though nothing that will set a benchmark for the style.

Far and away my favorite of the samples I tried here, this poured very thick and viscous, with a thick off-white head and a dark cherry/alchol nose. Rich, malty, bitter-chocolate, syrupy, cherry undertones, some floral/herbal (tarragon and bitter herbs) hints towards the finish.