Old Soul Belgian-style Ale is a Belgian-style Strong Pale Ale brewed by Crazy Mountain Brewing Company, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a snifter from a can.
Appearance
The ale pours a hazy gold and is topped by an inch-thick cap of dense white foam that offers modest retention. A smattering of residue and a soapy collar are left behind.
Aroma
The aroma is pungent with a scent of berry fruit, musty wheat, and a hint of clove.
Flavor
The palate begins with a taste of wheat bread followed by a mild bite of floral hops and spiced with peppercorn. The bitterness lingers through a mellow finish of sweet Juniper berry and Belgian candied sugar.
Mouthfeel
The body is dry with a light grain and has a medium body with moderate carbonation.
Overall
The appearance doesn’t show as much retention as preferred and its feel could use more carbonation. The aroma is fine but unremarkable. Its palate, however, is pleasant enough and its use of Juniper berries is a nice touch. The alcohol is managed well. The Old Soul offers some of the qualities of a good Belgian brew but it certainly could be improved upon.
Recommended Pairings
Crazy Mountain recommends the following food pairings with their Old Soul: English sticky toffee pudding with caramel sauce, butternut squash gnocchi with brown butter basil pesto cream sauce, and honey-glazed ham quiche with brie and roasted asparagus.