Old Boy Classic Ale

Old Boy Classic Ale is my third and final review of a variety pack from Vancouver, British Columbia's Parallel 49 Brewing Company. Old Boy's 341mL bottles feature a pint of beer decked out as a distinguished gent, complete with top hat and monocle.

At 5% alcohol and 27 IBUs, Old Boy is a handsome, darkly brownish ale with some ruby highlights. It pours beneath a creamy head. A nice nose features molasses and brown sugar atop a malt base. The flavour begins in nutty malt country, before crossing the border into a land of short hoppy finishes. There are notes of molasses and even a touch of vanilla along the way.

This beer was both darker and more bitter than expected--both very welcome traits in an ale. Smooth and refined, with a nice flavour, this stuff is worthy of the Mr. Peanut getup.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10.