It's not often a Marble beer is welcomed into my home, and this one had to go to Amsterdam to find a way into my hands.
This one is a special one; a collaboration with Fuller's reviving a classic old ale by George Gale and Co. A few renditions were done, each with a different barrel finish. This particular George Gale & Co. Prize Old Ale comes from a second fill pinot noir barrel, and it's stunning. The first impression is like an aged Flemish red ale with the acidity stripped out - syrupy plum, wood, leather and chocolate. There is an element of funk hiding in the background, but it never appears more than a fun accent on the rest of the beer. The body is neither heavy nor sugary, but does have enough satisfying heft to justify the high alcohol content.
For all the superlative richness and a thumping 11.2% ABV, this is cosy, easy going, and the perfect sort of thing to sip while roasting your toes in front of a fire.
For all the superlative richness and a thumping 11.2% ABV, this is cosy, easy going, and the perfect sort of thing to sip while roasting your toes in front of a fire.
Great beer, as are the other barrel versions....
ReplyDeleteI only picked up the one in Amsterdam, if I'd known just how good it was I would have gotten the set.
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