Old Ale

Old Ale is an English Ale beer style. Brewers Association category: Old Ale. It typically presents as copper-red to very dark.

Notes: Low level attributes typical of wood-aging such as vanillin are acceptable. Brettanomyces and acidity reflect historical character; low level attributes such as horsey, goaty, leathery, phenolic, etc. and acidity may be present and balanced with other flavors. Attributes arising from liquids previously aged in a barrel, such as bourbon or sherry, should not be present. Beers that exhibit such attributes are categorized as wood- and barrel-aged beers.

ABV: 6.3%-9.1%
IBU: 30-60
COLOR / SRM SCALE: 12-30
OG: 1.058-1.088
FG: 1.014-1.030

Alcohol & Bitterness

ABV:6.3%-9.1%

ABW:5.0%-7.2%

IBU:30-60

Perceived Bitterness:

Present but minimal, and balanced with malt flavors.

Color & Appearance

Color:

Copper-red to very dark

SRM:12-30

EBC:24-60

Clarity:

Chill haze is acceptable at low temperatures

Gravity & Body

Original Gravity:1.058-1.088

Original Gravity °P:14.3-21.1

Final Gravity:1.014-1.030

Final Gravity °P:3.6-7.6

Body:

Medium to full

Flavor Profiles

Malt Profile:

Fruity esters can enhance and complement the malt aroma and flavor profile. Old Ales have malt and sometimes caramel sweetness.

Hop Profile:

Very low to medium

Fermentation Character:

Fruity esters can contribute to the character of these beers. Alcohol types can be varied and complex. A distinctive quality of Old Ales is that they undergo an aging process, often for years. Aging can occur on their yeast either in bulk storage or through conditioning in the bottle. This contributes to a rich, wine-like, and often sweet, oxidized character. Complex estery attributes may also emerge. Diacetyl is usually absent in these beers but may be present at very low levels.

2026 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines used with permission of Brewers Association .

No beers have been reviewed in this style.