Vicar’s Vice Old Ale — Amsterdam Brewing Co.

At this point, I expect many of my readers to be anxiously awaiting the save-the-date notice for my impending marriage to Amsterdam Brewing’s Iain McOustra.  I mean, I love the guy.  And you’re probably getting sick of hearing about it, but it’s hard when a dude is equal parts amazing brewer and genuinely awesome person.  And when he keeps on making these great beers, I have trouble not fawning.  The latest in Amsterdam’s Adventure Series is Iain’s “Vicar’s Vice Old Ale”, and it is no exception in the trend.  I was able to try it at The Only Cafe’s fall beer fest, and was super excited to see it come out as a brewery release.  Vicar’s Vice is an Old Ale (which, according to Martyn Cornell is historically synonomous with Barley Wine), made entirely with British malts, hops, and yeast.  With the coming storm, calling in sick cuddling up with a few of these could well be the best idea you haven’t had yet.

Vicar’s Vice Old Ale — Amsterdam Brewing Co.

From a 500ml bottle dressed in Adventure Series labels, Vicar’s Vice Old Ale pours a deep chestnut brown with brilliant flashes of red when held to a bright light.  About 1/2″ of loose head drops to a bit of fuzz in the centre of the glass that remains throughout the drink, supported by a fairly notable carbonation.  Aroma is pouring out of the glass, and I don’t even have to lean in to pick up dark sweet malts and some spicy notes.  On closer inspection, the malts are indeed caramelly and sweet, with a pop of yeast that always makes me think of proofing bread dough.  Perhaps it’s just my suggestibility, but I get hints of something woody.  Not like it’s been barrel-aged (I don’t believe it has been), but something dry and roasty, a bit like somebody cutting oak on a table saw with a dull blade.  There is some medicinal spices, a little hard to nail down, but I’ll say I get some cola and pepper.  I also get some dark berries, blueberries and blackberries mostly and just a touch of juiciness.  Taste is equally complex, though the balance shifts a bit.  The malts are there and are quite roasty, but are less sweet than I would have guessed based on the aroma.  Ranging from melting caramel to burnt sugar, it’s certainly still very prominent, but there is also a generous dose of hops.  They give a solid dry tea-like bitterness (seems to be a trend this week).  The spices are much more subdued, but are still there, a bit like an old-fashioned soda.  The fruits are there, but only show up at the finish.  There is a little sweet juicy twinkle, then the hops sweep everything away and leave a dry, bitter and smokey linger.  As it warms somewhat, there is definitely some cocoa to the flavour, likely both from the roasty malts and also the fairly bitter hops.  I would make sure you give this some time outside of the icebox.  Mouthfeel is very interesting, it’s clearly medium to heavy-bodied, but it has a very prickly carbonation.  So there is a creamy density, but it’s kept somewhat light with the effervescence of the bubbles.  Funny enough, I only just remembered now, that this bottle packs a fairly big 8.1% abv.  I would never have guessed that.  There is just a tinge of alcohol somewhere in the finish, but there is no lingering heat.  It’s just hugely complex and engaging.

Cheers to Iain and Amsterdam.  I’m on one knee bro……

Buy Vicar’s Vice Old Ale

Available at the brewery in Leaside, 45 Esander Dr, it is also around town somewhat.  Check the usual suspects.

Drink It With

This one is tricky.  While I wouldn’t, a nice roast, either of pork or beef would probably match up well.  Go full British, with a few vegetable sides, pan gravy and big old yorkshire puddings (need a good recipe?  Check out my Beer Lover’s Christmas for how I do them).  For cheese, something creamy and dense.  And English.  So I guess a young Lancashire would be a cool starting point.  On balance, a salty blue like Stilton could juxtapose the bitter roasty qualities, like it does with a stout.  Why not try both?

About The Brewery

The Amsterdam Brewing Company is an independently owned and operated craft brewery that is deeply rooted in the city of Toronto. A pioneer of the craft beer revolution in 1986 and initially called the Amsterdam Brasserie and Brew Pub, The Amsterdam was the first of its kind in Toronto to offer patrons hand crafted lagers and ales that were brewed ‘in-house’. Today they brew over ten different beers including their flagship lager – Amsterdam Natural Blonde, the award winning Big Wheel Deluxe Amber, Boneshaker IPA and multiple year-round and seasonal brews. The Amsterdam Brewing Company uses only traditional brewing methods and their beers are made with four all natural ingredients – malt, hops, yeast, and water. All beers are GMO-free, without preservatives, and never heat pasteurized.

To learn more about the Amsterdam Brewing Company visit www.amsterdambeer.com or Become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/amsterdambeer and follow on Twitter www.twitter.com/amsterdambeer