Old Ale
British Origin Ale · Brewers Association 2025
12 SRM30 SRM
- OG
- 1.058 – 1.088
- FG
- 1.014 – 1.030
- ABV
- 6.3 – 9.1 %
- IBU
- 30 – 60
- Color
- 12 – 30 SRM
British Origin Ale · Brewers Association 2025
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. When using these guidelines as the basis for evaluating entries at competitions, competition organizers may choose to split this category into subcategories which reflect strong and very strong versions, or historic and modern versions.
Copper-red to very dark
Chill haze is acceptable at low temperatures
Fruity esters can enhance and complement the malt aroma and flavor profile. Old Ales have malt and sometimes caramel sweetness.
Very low to medium
Present but minimal, and balanced with malt flavors.
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.
Medium to full
Brew to this style
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Style guideline data is the work of its respective publishers, reproduced here for reference: BJCP · Brewers Association · Norbrygg · SHBF · Danske Øldommere.