Yankee Brew News Archive

Gold Stock Ale, New England Brewing Company

Originally Published: Win/92

Editor's Note: This issue marks the introduction of a new column in The Yankee Brew News. Each issue, the YBN staff will review a different New England-brewed beer. We are offering this as a service to our readers, to guide you in purchasing quality brews made in New England. With the number of craft beers being produced in our region now, we don't anticipate running out of beers to review any time soon. While not everyone may agree with our assessments, they can at least serve as a springboard for discussion. Write us a letter, whether you agree or disagree, and do not hesitate to recommend beers you'd like to see reviewed in future issues. We hope this column will be as enjoyable for you as it is for us.

Beer: Gold Stock Ale

Brewer: New England Brewing Company, Norwalk Connecticut

Appearance: Gold/straw color; clear; creamy white head. Aroma: Fruity, herbal, flinty nose - sauvignon blanc-like.

Taste: Complex, vinous; good hop/malt balance; warming note from high alcohol; hint of vanilla; cream ale-like smoothness; low, British-like carbonation level; finishes dry and hoppy.

Summary: A well-crafted interpretation of the 19th-century American stock ale style; strong (6.5% alcohol), well-hopped, and smooth-bodied.