Old Chub - Scottish Style Ale - Oskar Blues Brewing Company

beeragent

Texas

3.68/5  rDev -8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Poured into a pint glass from a 12oz bottle. The beer pours a dark amber, forming a thick creamy 1 inch tan head. Light lacing is visible as the head recedes. The aroma has a strong malt presence, but also there are hints of caramel and nuts. Taste is not as pronounced as the aroma would have suggested. Strong malt presence up front, followed by a light caramel/toffee flavor, and finishing with a slightly strong alcoholic finish. Light mouthfeel. Good flavor and thin body make for a drinkable beer. Overall, I'm still undecided whether I like this beer or not. The flavor is good, but the alcohol presence seems like it could have been covered up better. The mouthfeel is very smooth but a little on the thin side for a Scottish ale. Not bad, but there are other Scottish ales that fit the bill a bit better than this one. With that said, I still think that I have alot to learn regarding Scottish ales and their characteristics.

Serving type: bottle

06-13-2008 21:56:54 | More by beeragent

barefootbrewer

Mississippi

4.2/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A - This beer poured a deep, dark brown with a 2" tan head.

S - Deep malt with some caramel notes and a touch of smoke.

T - Malty and caramel with some chocolate flavor. There is a touch of smoke in the aftertaste.

M - Full and lush.

D - This is an excellent robust brew that I think is very drinkable - when you are in that sort of mood.

Serving type: bottle

06-12-2008 02:01:15 | More by barefootbrewer

MrHungryMonkey

Texas

4.13/5  rDev +3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Nose is full of richly roasted malt (chocolate, coffee, dark bread) that I'm sure will be mouth-wateringly sweet. Subtler spicy notes are cool and zesty. Kind of reminds me of Pumpernickel, only better.

Very dark cola color - almost opaque. Great head, so creamy.

Those great roasted tones come out in full force in the flavor. That cool spiciness comes out crisp and clear in the flavor, providing a nice contrast to the malt. Minimal leafy hop flavors seem to provide a nice grounding against the malt. Minimal bitterness in the midpalate and just a hair more in the finish adds dimension.

Immense thickness, sticky sweet malty body. The carbonation is so soft the body just feels like velvet in my mouth. Mouthfeel doesn't get much better than this.

My third Oskar Blues beer and I love 'um... what a fun brew Old Chub is. Talk about body! And tastes good too.

Serving type: bottle

06-04-2008 23:36:23 | More by MrHungryMonkey

Riverwarrior

Texas

3.58/5  rDev -10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

S = This had a very nice chocolate malt smell with a little nuttiness in the background.

T = Very nice caramel and chocolate flavors with a good dose of maltiness. A hint of bitterness rounded it out perfectly. The alcohol is hidden well.

MF = Extremely creamy and smooth, slightly thin, medium carbonation.

The finish was great with no lingering bitterness....just a very nice caramel finish.

Overall = A well done Scottish Ale. I will continue to buy this one!

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2008 05:16:41 | More by Riverwarrior

SPLITGRIN

Kentucky

4.43/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Blackest brown body hosts a huge deep tan head at almost three fingers tall. Leaves scattered lace as it fades. Nose is a lively mix of pepper, cola, smokey malt and toffee sweetness. nicely bold on first sip with well developed notes of rich malt. Flavors that come thru included roasted malt, toffee, nuttieness and woodsy minerals. This is a very very good scottish style which I am a fan of already. Nice dark chocolate feel on the back of the tongue. Mouthfeel is thick due to the sticky sweet carmel like hue from tha malts. A drinkable brew that should be savored a little more than others of this style.

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2008 02:19:34 | More by SPLITGRIN

RblWthACoz

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a dark brown that looks ruby when you let light through it. Tan head. Nose is heavy caramel with a touch of a peaty tone. Flavor is sweet with a touch of smoky background. Feel is good. Slightly sticky, but smooth. Pretty drinkable, though the level of sweetness (I think) detracts from it just a little bit.

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2007 12:20:36 | More by RblWthACoz

oelergud

Virginia

4.43/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Green, gold and red 12oz can.
Opaque deep red body almost black, maple red at the edge. Tan head of tiny to small bubbles. Good retention and pretty good lace.
Dark and dense scent of earth, tar, caramel, sweet licorice and molasses. Warm and inviting.
Toasted dark and sweet flavor, molasses and brown sugar. Hoppy licorice aftertaste. very unusual and tasty.
Medium body with slight coating and a dry finish, some residual sugars.
Very drinkable, delicious and interesting.

-Oelergud

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2007 02:25:42 | More by oelergud

beerking1

Virginia

4.43/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours very dark mahogany, with a dark tan, dense, lasting head that leaves a nice lace. Aroma is dark malts and chocolate, some faint hops, and hints of smoke, as well as very faint dark fruits. Flavor is dark malts and chocolate upfront, some slight raisin notes, and more faint smokiness. Alcohol is pleasantly, and faintly warming, helping to balance the sweetness of the malts. Aftertaste is well balanced dark malt, slight hops and faint smoke.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2007 01:47:27 | More by beerking1

irishkyle21

Ontario (Canada)

4.38/5  rDev +9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours with a fluffy tanned head, good stickage. Has a deep brown color with some ruby in there.

Smells of roasted malt, caramel, chocolate and earthy hops.

The mouthfeel is great, sweet and that oh so smooth drinkability factor. This is a great malty beer, tastes of chocolate, a bit of coffee and some smokiness.

Serving type: bottle

12-26-2007 03:46:28 | More by irishkyle21

far333

Connecticut

4.3/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Chestnut colored, nearly opaque, with a light brown tightly bubbled head that doesn't rise up much despite a rough pour, and settles back quickly with no lace.

Big aroma of dark and sweet malt, cocoa and smoke.

Full and rich mouthfeel leads the way to a robust and full flavor of roasted malt, charred and smokey wood, bitter chocolate, espresso, and licorice. Very flavorful and very complex. The alcohol is well hidden except for a subtle warming brandyesque tingle in the finish.

I don't care what time of year it is, I'll take a dark and richly flavored treat like this any time. Very drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

07-06-2007 02:48:38 | More by far333

BeerBelcher

Ohio

3.7/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

I was not tremendously impressed with Dale's Pale Ale, and felt that it received a lot of "extra credit" for being in a can; which I don't understand (the glass/aluminum can liner really makes no difference). This beer is different; I feel that this beer stands against other Scoth Ales even without any extra points for its container type. Its flavor is lightly sweet, peaty, and very malty.Quite good and recommended.

This beer pours a nice hazy red-brown with very good, thick, and durable head formation, comprised of tiny bubbles of varying sizes. Aroma is a bit peaty, and with abundant amounts of sweet malt roastiness. Beer is fairly bourbon-y, with lots of sweet roastiness. You definitely cannot fault this beer for a lack of flavor. Mouthfeel is smooth. This beer is solid all the way around.

Serving type: bottle

06-02-2007 22:52:11 | More by BeerBelcher

goochpunch

Texas

4/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours out a dark brown that almost looks black from some angles. Tan head is thin and settles to a rim above the glass. Leaves some scant lacing. Smells of a mix of chocolate, coffee, dried fruits, stone fruits, and ever so faint smoked malt. Flavor starts off very fruity with a mix of grape and apples. The middle brings more of a chocolate and roasted character. Finish is dried fruits, tobacco, alcohol, and smoked malts, which all linger on into the aftertaste. Mouthfeel leans a bit toward heavy, has an almost sticky quality , and has a smooth, light carbonation. Really good American version of a Scottish ale. A sipper, but still rather drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2007 05:17:03 | More by goochpunch

Neehan

North Carolina

3.63/5  rDev -9.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

It's been a while since I've poured one from the ole can...

A- Very nice, good thick head with nice retention. Head is fluffy with good character and along for the entire ride.

S- Definite malts on the forefront. Light in character with an ever-so-slight burnt component. Minimal spices-- not enough to fill the nose, but just enough to let you know they are there.

T- Very smooth, light at first with a nice complementing bitter finish that lingers into the aftertaste. Quick transition from sweet to bitter.

M- Very mild and easy. Watery in character due to the very low carbonation but with a bit of fluff added due to the remaining head.

D- Good due to the light texture and smooth finish.

Pretty good stuff here. A perfect choice of a six-pack to split between 2-3 friends in a sitting... just make sure everyone has a ride afterward.

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2007 04:11:27 | More by Neehan

ghostwalker

Massachusetts

4.35/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Dark brown body with a thick, dark tan, head.

Nose is smoked malt with sweet chocolate.

Flavor is deep, dark bittersweet smoky malt. Tons of dark, rich flavor; smoke, chocolate, raisins, molasses. Intensely wonderful.

Mouthfeel is thick and viscous, like used motor oil. A truly impressive achievement coming from a can.

Drinkability is good, for the style. It's kind of a sipper, due to the intensity of the flavor, but does not become overwhelming.

Great!

Serving type: bottle

10-08-2006 21:43:43 | More by ghostwalker

Naes

New York

3.03/5  rDev -24.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Appearance is dark brown in color with a tall tan head that retains and laces well.
Its aroma mostly of caramel malt with a bit of chocolate as well.
The flavor is very sweet with chocolate and crystal malt flavors which seem to stick to ones tongue just a little too much for my likings. There is also a bit of roastyness as well.
Mouth feel is on the verge of syrupy and is generously carbonated.

Overall, this is made of quality, but it is just too sweet for my likings. The aftertaste just seems sugary.

Serving type: bottle

05-18-2006 00:15:02 | More by Naes

tastybeer

North Carolina

4.28/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Brown black color lets a little bit of light through. Completely unexpected out of a can. This beer proves a can...can be good. Great sheets of tan cream colored lace cover the glass. Smells nicely malted with thick malts and caramel, toffee notes. Taste and mouthfeel are what make this beer so awesome. Rich smooth texture loaded with milky malts and nice roasty bitter. A little bit of sweet smoke mingled into the creamy caramel, coffee and chocolate. Layers of malts create a rich velvety mouth. Low carb and great mouth feel make this very drinkable.

So easy to drink I'll have to drink more.

Serving type: bottle

03-13-2006 02:38:10 | More by tastybeer

Jredner

Florida

4/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Aroma is chocolate malt, caramel malt and you definitely detect the smoked malt. Dark red/brown with a thin, but well established tan head. Huge malt flavors. Chocolate dominates with a very high intesnity flavor followed by smokey notes and a touch of caramel. Finish is clean with not even a hint of the 8% alcohol. Damn fine beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-06-2006 19:33:16 | More by Jredner

Gueuzedude

Arizona

4.22/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a clear deep amber color, and is topped by a good light brown head. Sticky, malty, candied notes waft from my glass as I pour. When I go in for a deeper sniff, I get toasted malt notes and a hint of roast malt at the end. Wow, this has a good solid mouthfeel and a nice rich body. There are lots of malt flavors here (caramel, biscuit, quite chewy actually). Perhaps a hint of roasty smoke in the finish. This beer is also subtly fruity with notes of raisins in it. This is a damn good beer in a can, certainly the best I have had up to this point. The hop perception is appropriately quite low, with only a hint of balancing bitterness in the finish. This is damn taste, for any beer, and it really hits the spot right now.

Serving type: bottle

04-20-2004 16:29:11 | More by Gueuzedude

bmwats

Louisiana

3.74/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12 oz can, into a standard pint.

A: Dark brown. Pours about a half finger, foamy, brown white head. Sporadic lacing.

S: Molasses, peat, ginger, nutmeg, and maple syrup.

T: Charred coffee, molasses, licorice, and pecan shell. Fresh tea leaf and cola.

M: Hearty, malty, thick and syrupy. Bitter, pungent, peaty aftertaste. Dry finish. High alcohol is apparent.

D: Sip and enjoy.

Atmosphere is pretty good. Dark hue, decent foamy head, and some very sporadic but distinct lacing. Nose is complex combination of sweet, fall spice, and peat. Flavor is charred coffee accentuated with bitter licorice and sweet molasses. Overall, this is a good quaff.

Serving type: can

04-30-2013 04:02:37 | More by bmwats

Chico1985

Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev -4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

I think this may have been the first scotch ale I ever had, way back in the day. I've had it many times since but never reviewed. A little bit of age on this one, canned 9-7-12..."Don't do it, Dove"?

Pour to a snifter is dark red with just a bit of translucence. Thick khaki-colored head ends up a swirly cap with a thick ring that leaves good lace.

Nice malty scent with sweet malts, caramel, and molasses coming through. Some toasted bread, chocolate and some brown sugar there as well, English earthy hops too.

Chocolate malts really start to show more in the taste, along with noticeable but light peat and smoke. Definitely caramel chocolate toastiness. Light hoppage with a general earthiness to it.

A touch high on the carbonation I think, but otherwise a good mouthfeel. Easy drinking for the style, not much alcohol showing through, not overly sweet.

I think the flavor is a little underwhelming but a solid scotch ale that's always available. Always nice to have a malty beast in a can.

Serving type: can

04-30-2013 00:06:28 | More by Chico1985

gcamparone

Rhode Island

4.24/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Poured from a 12 oz can into a snifter. Purchased in North Providence, RI.

A- Pours a dark maroon body with a small off-white head that reduces to a ring of foam. Not much lacing.

S- Caramel, toffee, molasses, bourbon. Very inviting.

T- Upfront I get a lot of brown sugar, caramel, vanilla, and toffee notes. This develops into coffee, chocolate, and maybe some citrus notes. Finish is roasty and smokey, aftertaste is roasty.

M- Low carbonation, medium-heavy body.

Quite a complex and tasty beer. An excellent interpretation of a scotch ale- hits all the high point of this style. I'd buy again.

Serving type: can

04-29-2013 03:53:27 | More by gcamparone

mjurney

Texas

4.16/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Appearance:
Ruby brown color, looks clear. There good amount of carbonation rising. Thick creamy head.

Aroma:
Sweet, bready, chocolate, dark fruit, spiced rum.

Taste:
Malty, bready, chocolate, caramel. Dark fruit character, dried prune. Hop bitterness is mild. Slight smoke finish. Body is full, thick, creamy, smooth.

Serving type: can

04-27-2013 07:47:04 | More by mjurney

SportsandJorts

Michigan

4.09/5  rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Appearance: brown with a hint of red. near opaque. small tan head that leaves a lacing

Smell: malts, smokiness, caramel

Taste: malts, barley and smokey, brown sugar, dark fruits, earthy hops. the balance between sweet and bitter works out quite nicely. good and complex taste

Mouthfeel: surprisingly light and mild for 8%. slight bitterness but mostly smooth

Overall: good and complex beer. drinkable and strong. will definitely buy a six pack when i am in the mood since this was only a mix-six

Serving type: can

04-08-2013 23:43:53 | More by SportsandJorts

Uncle_Jimmy

California

4.35/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Appearance- a sparkling ruby brown with two fingers of dense tan head that goes coarse and then slowly dissapates.

Smell- carmel butterscotch toffee, a faint citrus in the background.

Taste- malty, slightly sweet with some cola undertones. Slightly meaty but in a good way. almost has a brown sugar or molasses component in the texture. the hops really kind of disapear although it is not cloyingly sweet.

Mouthfeel- medium bodied, effervescence seems appropriate to style ( a bit lower than most beers). The carmel notes linger quite a bit aswell.

Overall- very tasty I would order another for sure. I had it with a steak but I think it would be good with dairy based desserts, chicken and dumplings meat pies. Good country cooking!

Serving type: can

04-04-2013 04:29:42 | More by Uncle_Jimmy

csparace

Illinois

4.03/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

One of my buddies picked this up for me at Oskar Blues' new Brevard, NC location. I'm excited to see this come to the Carolinas and can't wait to see what they brew next.

Appearance (4.00) – poured from a 12oz can into a Matilda glass. Pours a tar red amber with a generous two finger head. Thick head with small smoky cream bubbles. Tons of carbonation rising to the top. Head fades quickly. Lacing is pretty sweet.

Smell (4.00) Malty with a dark caramel character. Sweet hop smell. My sense of smell kinda sucks but the smell of this beer has a strong presence.

Taste (4.00) – Roasted hop comes to mind first. Yeasty. Some darkened sugars are definitely present. Alcohol is hidden well. The body has the sweet aspect. The finish has a slight crunch of hops.

Mouthfeel (4.25) – Smooth. A bit less carbonation feel than I would have guessed with how much is moving to the top. Slight slight warming in the back of the throat. Lips aren't really sticky. Great for after a meal.

Overall (4.00) – I'm pretty satisfied with this for a scotch ale. There is not an abundance of flavor, but I think the mouthfeel is spot on.

Serving type: can

04-04-2013 04:10:23 | More by csparace