Old Ale

The Old Ale is an light amber to very dark reddish-brown colored English ale of moderate to fairly significant alcoholic strength, bigger than standard beers, though usually not as strong or rich as barleywine and often tilted towards a maltier balance. The predominant defining quality for this style is the impression of age, which can manifest itself in different ways (complexity, lactic, Brett, oxidation, leather, vinous qualities are some recurring examples). Roughly overlapping the British Strong Ale and the lower end of the English Barley Wine styles, but always having an aged quality. Barley Wines tend to develop more of an overall mature quality, while Old Ales can show more of the barrel qualities. Old Peculier are also considered as an Old Ale.