Review - Harpoon Brewery's 100 Barrel Series #17: English Style Old Ale
"Harpoon Old Ale is inspired by the sustaining winter offerings of many English breweries. This complex & malty brew is marked by significant alcohol warmth, balanced bitterness, biscuit/roasted undertones, and sublime mouthfeel. Proper English yeast, traditional hop varietals, and generous malt bill create a wonderful companion for the fireside. Enjoyable for consumption now or for extended cellaring. -- Harpoon Brewery
After having enjoyed the Bohemian Pilsner at its release at the Boston brewery, we elected to pull back a bit, pour ourselves a tall one, and review it from the comfort of the couch. Thinking back to the release night, we remember Dan saying that he compares this offering to Pilsner Urquell, also a Czech pilsner. From the 22 oz. bottle, it pours a light yellow color that pours into a cloudy body that clarifies to a sparkling clear appearance. A large, frothy white head crowns the beer, with good retention and good lacing as we continued to enjoy. Aroma is gentle, with just a subtle hint of yeast in the form of a soapy scent. Initial taste is a light, light sweet that quickly turns to a moderate bitter finish that goes down smooth. Average to long duration on the palate. Light on the mouthfeel, we're left slightly dry with lively carbonation. Despite its large bottle, the low ABV and crisp finish maked this an excellent session beer that we found to be very drinkable.
Reviewed on January 24, 2007.
| Type: | Old Ale |
| ABV: | 7.9% |
| Source: | 22 oz. bottle |
| Score: | 20/30 |
