North Coast Old Stock Ale 2015

This is a 11.9% ABV old ale from the North Coast Brewing Company of Fort Bragg, California. I have the two 2014 barrel aged versions, and wanted to try this first as a baseline comparison.

The beer pours a dark amber and copper in color, with a garnet tinge. There is a short head of light tan foam. The aroma is malty, caramel, brown sugar, dark fruits, cherries, plums, warming alcohol, and the rind of tangerines. The taste follows the aromas, malty, sweet, fruity, with just a tang at the end. There is a touch of vanilla and wood. The beer is very sweet, but not cloying. The beer drinks smooth, with a fuller body. The finish is just this side of dry. This is a pleasant sipper.