This is NOT an Old Ale in my book. I was actually expecting it to be labeled as a Winter Warmer, but it drinks more like an American IPA.
On tap at The Irish Bred Pub in Douglasville, GA, USA.
Great looking pour with the deep copper, mahogany body showing superb clarity underneath a bone-white head. Head is not terribly well maintained, but there is some decent lacing.
Nose gives up some fresh, raw hops.
The beer is much hoppier than I was expecting and this is the abiding memory. Some good levels of bitterness that makes the beer drink like a freshly hopped, American IPA. Some citrus notes and pretty, green and fresh feel about the beer. Malts are present in quantities that hold the whole thing together nicely. Alcohol is well hidden and beer drinks lower than the ABV would suggest it might.
Not exactly what I expected, but at the same time I was pleasantly surprised and found the beer both refreshing and moreish.
Good stuff, better than expected.