Old Ale
Strong British AleBJCP 17B
Aged, malty, complex British ale with oxidation and sherry notes
A stronger-than-average English ale, though usually not as strong or rich as an English Barleywine. Aged character optional.
How to Brew a Old Ale
Typical Malts
- ● Pale Ale or Pilsner malt
Typical Hops
- ● Style-appropriate hops
Yeast
● Ale yeast (e.g. US-05, S-04)
Style Requirements
Typical Flavors
FAQ about Old Ale
What is a Old Ale?
A stronger-than-average English ale, though usually not as strong or rich as an English Barleywine. Aged character optional.
How much alcohol does a Old Ale have?
A Old Ale typically has 5.5–9% ABV. Original gravity ranges from 1.055–1.088, final gravity from 1.015–1.022.
How bitter is a Old Ale?
A Old Ale has 30–60 IBU (International Bitterness Units). This is a fairly bitter style.
What ingredients do you need for a Old Ale?
Typical malts: Pale Ale or Pilsner malt. Typical hops: Style-appropriate hops. Yeast: Ale yeast (e.g. US-05, S-04).
Do you need special equipment for a Old Ale?
A Old Ale can be brewed with standard equipment (pot or all-in-one system). Fermentation temperature: 18–24°C (64–75°F).
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