Beer 219/365 – Old Speckled Hen

Style: English Pale Ale

ABV: 5.2%

Purchased at: Vintage Estate – Boardman OH

What makes this beer different: One of the first decent beers I have ever had that came in a clear bottle

Will I be drinking this again: Had a sample of it in nitro, and it was REALLY good served that way. In a bottle? Maybe

Grade: B

6/15/2010: I originally had a 4oz sample of this on nitro @Vintage Estate a couple months back. I was really really good on tap, so I decided to grab a twelve ouncer to see what its like out of the bottle. Although I am apprehensive to ever buy a beer that comes in a clear bottle. For the beer newbs out there, the number one reason a beer goes bad is due to the beer being subjected to too much light. It would be similar to you sitting in an un-tinted car, with no sunglasses, on a 90 degree sunny day. Wouldn’t make you very happy and it doesn’t make for a happy beer.

Old Speckled Hen does not have a lot of a smell to it at all, very odd. Maybe a little bit of sweetness. The one word I would use to describe the taste is earthy. Almost like a watered down Sam Adams Lager. Toasted malts and some non-descript hops make an appearance. There is an odd metallic taste going on, but its not enough to ruin the beer all together. Very light mouthfeel which makes this very drinkable on this super hot late spring day.

Picture of the day: Okay this isn’t a funny picture, but it is bad ass. Skydiving during a shuttle launch.

Beer 186/365 – Great Divide Denver Pale Ale

Style: English Pale Ale

ABV: 5.4%

Purchased at: I have had this bottle sitting in my beer fridge for almost two years, from a mixed case. No idea where I bought it.

What makes this beer different: Its not often you age a Pale Ale, but it was pretty tasty this way.

Will I be drinking this again: Yes I would like to try one fresh.

Grade: B+

5/13/2010: Am I the only one who likes an “old” Pale Ale? This is the second one I have tried out of the 185 previous beers (Hitachino Classic Ale was the other). You technically aren’t supposed to age Pale Ales, but for some reason I like the taste. Kind of like a good aged bleu cheese. Odd I know.

Denver Pale Ale has that “old” ale smell to it, can’t really put it into words. Smells musty like an old tent, or maybe an attic? After two years there is no hop presense to be found, only caramel malts, and some grassy characteristics. It finishes a bit dry. The one thing I love about this beer though is its thick and creamy mouthfeel for a Pale Ale. Very heavy for the style, but I like thick beers so it works. Anyone have an aged pale ale that they ended up liking?

Picture of the day: Gender Confusion seems to be a growing problem.