Beer Review: Chiltern Three Hundreds Old Ale

Name: Three Hundreds Old Ale

ABV: 5%

Brewery: Chiltern

Style: Old Ale

Location: Terrick, Bucks

Aroma: Malty, with a dash of roasted nuts and warming spices with a residual sourness that suggests it age.

Colour: Dark brown with an off white one finger head.

Flavour: Intial bitterness leads to a background of stewed fruits with a prominent roasted malt element shoring up the rear, the combination of malts gives it a wholemeal bready note with a dash of roasted chesnuts. The hops provide the fruity element and warming aftertaste that is pleasant, not overwhelming. Overall the flavours are a dash on the sour side, which suggest age and maturity. It has touch of Trappist about it, through the multitude of flavours present. The mouthfeel is medium bodied, but not heavy due it to it being gluten free.

Verdict: A satisfying brew full of character and flavour, its bitter undercurrent is helped along with a myriad of fruity and nutty flavours that offer it a characterful counterpoint. With every sip, this warm and brooding beer leaves a mark on the senses, although the lack of gluten gives reduces it body but in return makes it more drinkable despite its strength. This beer leves a memorable mark on the tastebuds, and is a fine example of an old ale. 

Rating: 8/10