Dominion Ale - Old Dominion Brewing Company

fields336

North Carolina

3.8/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: brown, auburn w 2 finger off white foamy head. The lacing is nice and the head stays around the sides of the glass for the duration

S: toffee, caramel, light grassy hops,fruity, bready malts, toast

T: nice hop bitterness, grassy, herbal, honey, slight citrus, cracker and bready malts mixed w caramel and toffee flavors. Real nice hop bitterness and flavor stays aroun

M: medium bodied, medium carbonation, nice feel

Serving type: on-tap

01-06-2013 18:58:05 | More by fields336

RblWthACoz

Pennsylvania

3.63/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

It's hard to switch up to an English style ale after getting bombarded with so many of the American ones I have lately. This one is pretty nice. Somewhat of a spicy and bitter side to it. Smooth though. Carbonation seems to be biting a bit too hard for me. But it isn't out of control or anything. Overall, this one is alright. I'm sure it'd be nice to try on cask.

Serving type: bottle

08-31-2012 05:26:40 | More by RblWthACoz

biteme398

Virginia

3.2/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A fairly dark color, some shades of orange in it, not too pale though. A good head that fades to a thin film. Smell is slightly acidic with hints of a pilsner actually. Like the bottle proclaims, the body is medium, not too chewy but just slightly watery. There is a good balance between the malt and hops. Definitely milder than many pale ales that border on IPA territory. Decent for a hot day or just to relax with. Not outstanding but cromulent nevertheless.

Serving type: bottle

08-09-2012 21:51:26 | More by biteme398

Rhettroactive

Virginia

3.35/5  rDev -10.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

From 12oz bottle to Due South glass on 7/12/12
*From notes

A: Hazy dark golden. A big pour yields a three finger head. Moderate lacing and retention rims the glass.

S: Quite bready. Not getting a whole lot more then golden, maybe slightly toasted malt.

T: Lots of buttered toast, breakfast cereal and a touch of white smoke. Pleasant and inoffensive.

M: A bit thinner then I'd like. The body is simply too light and can't stand up to even the minimal amount of complexity the flavor profile is packin'.

O: A decent English Pale. If you're feeling compelled to check out Dominion's suds, I recommend their Beach House Pilsner or their Hop Mountain Pale Ale. Though not great, this will do in a pinch when lacking other, more expressive ales and lagers.

Serving type: bottle

07-17-2012 04:50:42 | More by Rhettroactive

ujsplace

Pennsylvania

3.45/5  rDev -7.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a pint glass.

Pours a deep golden colored brew with flecks suspended within. The head is white and initially about one finger thick. The head quickly fades leaving some lacing and a light sudsy covering.

Smells of biscuits, a bit of toffee and some mild grassy, herbal hops.

Hop bitters a bit more pronounced, but held in check with the malt. Seems a bit metallic in the finish.

Medium/light mouthfeel with ample carbonation.

Overall, this is a ok brew, but not something that I would personally seek out. Seems watery and a bit off flavor wise. To me, it is just too lacking in flavor for my liking.

Serving type: bottle

07-13-2012 01:29:21 | More by ujsplace

beergoot

Colorado

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

Reviewed from notes taken while visiting Washington DC two weeks ago..bottle poured into a glass at the Capitol Hill Hyatt Regency bar...

Amber color; thin off-white head...

Light malt scent, not much hop aroma...

Taste: light malt; fairly bitter midway through the end...

Crisp, clean, dry...

Perhaps the beer was served too cold to bring out any substantial taste or smell qualities. Certainly drinkable as such, bot offered no defining qualities to set it off from other beers...

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2012 22:59:23 | More by beergoot

marlinsfan4

Maryland

3.38/5  rDev -9.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Part of the Old Dominion sampler pack.

Pours a light golden color, very little head. Faint hoppy aroma. Taste is light to medium bodied, pretty good mouthfeel. Watery taste, a slight smack of hops, some breadiness.. finishes easy and smooth. A whole lot of 'meh' here, boring style, and kind of a boring beer. Definitely drinkable and not bad, but just way too average for my liking.

Serving type: bottle

04-17-2012 02:04:53 | More by marlinsfan4

rarbring

Sweden

3.4/5  rDev -8.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A clear amber beer, off-white head with good lacing but small curtains.

Smelling of grass and nuts.

Brown bread, read apples, nettles and fresh grass.

Medium carbonation, fresh with a small body, a dry finish.

A nice English IPA from the new world, a tad spritzy but OK.

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2012 21:14:07 | More by rarbring

FeDUBBELFIST

Pennsylvania

2.4/5  rDev -35.7%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5

12oz to stange. Bottled 7/20/11. Sampled 11/13/11.

A: Three finger foamy/fluffy head - light khaki colored. Decent retention, with dimples forming on the cap and depositing sea foam lace as it recedes. The body is orange-amber with respectable clarity.

S: Leans toward malt dominant - toffee and caramel. Lightly toasted. Grassy hops. Neutral yeast.

T: Lackluster interpretation of an English Ale.

M: Medium body with a semi-thick creamy texture. Aptly carbonated.

O: This beer is a prime example of why many beer drinking Americans have a hard time appreciating English ales...More often than not, U.S. brewers do not represent the style well.

Serving type: bottle

03-18-2012 18:11:32 | More by FeDUBBELFIST

metter98

New York

3.5/5  rDev -6.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: The beer is clear amber in color and has a very slight amount of visible carbonation. It poured with a finger high off white head that died down and left a patch of bubbles on the surface and a ring of bubbles around the edge of the glass.
S: There are moderately strong aromas of toasted malts in the nose.
T: Similar to the smell, flavors of toasted malts along with some notes of malty sweetness are present in the taste. There is a slight amount of bitterness and hints of spiciness in the finish.
M: It feels light- to medium-bodied on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: This beer is easy to drink and quite sessionable. It would probably pair well with food because its flavors are not that strong.

Serving type: on-tap

01-28-2012 03:51:49 | More by metter98

chodinheaven

Maryland

3.9/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Hazy deep amber in hue with a creamy white head on top that takes its time to dissapate down to a thin, patchy sheet. Some lacing. The aroma is a bit musty with a citrusy, bready malt backing. The hops are very lightly citrusy. Honestly, smells like a malt forward english style ale should smell.

The mustiness transfers to the taste pretty clearly in a bready malt form. The hops impart a fresher citrusy, herbal taste and dance around bitterness on the sides of the palate. A bit nutty as well. Maybe a tad of skunkweed. Lots of biscuity malt backbone in this one, making for a medium to full body. Creamy mouthfeel that coats the palate at first and is then washed away by the medium-high carbonation level, leading into a long, dry finish. A bit of a citrusy syrup in the lingering aftertaste. Definitely a clean example of the style and one that is actually pretty nice. It has an easy smoothness going for it that makes it pretty drinkable. Not my favorite style of beer, so I might not seek it out again, but wouldn't turn it down. It reminds me of a more flavorful Bass Pale Ale.

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2011 05:10:22 | More by chodinheaven

JimKal

North Carolina

3.7/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours amber with a head that dissipates fairly quickly but leaves some lacing behind.

There is a definite aroma of malt. A very refreshing odor to the beer.

It begins with a very malt forward taste but finishes with a slightly bitter or sour taste. This isn't a bad taste and feels appropriate to the style.

I really enjoyed this beer and think it would pair well with a number of dishes that were not overly spiced.

If this were readily available locally I think I would keep a number of bottles around on a regular basis.

Serving type: bottle

12-15-2011 01:02:26 | More by JimKal

Jimmys

Pennsylvania

3.43/5  rDev -8%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A: a clear, bright reddish amber with vivacious carbonation. head is vigilant and leaves a nice lacing behind. as good as you are gonna get looks-wise.

S: aroma is toasty and grainy. reminds me of multi-grain bread lightly toasted. a mildly fruitiness mostly comprised of pear. okay complexity, but i wish there was a larger hop aroma...

T: a very very mild sweetness meets an army of earthy hop goodness. not spicy, but more a one-note english hop variety. finish is quite dry.

M: mild carbonation on a light/medium body.

D: this is a lighter EPA is my biggest complaint. too light. they need to bulk up the hops please.

Serving type: bottle

08-17-2011 01:10:01 | More by Jimmys

nickthetick

Maryland

3.2/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

A: pours a clear orange-ish into a pilsner glass with a finger and a half of light khaki head that leaves moderate lacing.

S: beautiful dark and ripe oranges and a nice sweet caramel malt.

T: sweet oranges and nice caramel with a bit of pine hoppiness.

MF: sweet, thick, little carbonation.

O: ok, not great and defiantly not my favorite. A little too thick and too sweet.

Serving type: bottle

08-13-2011 20:51:29 | More by nickthetick

womencantsail

California

3.48/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Believe it was Dyan that sent me this one. Thanks.

A: The beer pours a dark amber color with a finger of creamy, tan head.

S: Smells slightly meaty, which is a bit off-putting. Under that, there's toasted bread and toffee. A hint of brown sugar and some floral and grassy hops.

T: A bit better on the palate. Brown sugar, toffee, and toasted bread makes up the bulk of the flavor. A light fruitiness, particularly orange peel. Very light metal notes on the back end.

M: Medium in body with medium carbonation.

O: Not awful, but too many things wrong with this beer.

Serving type: bottle

06-22-2011 07:19:24 | More by womencantsail

Jayli

Massachusetts

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

Had this at Tidewater Landing in Reagan DCA Airport 5/20
Served in a pint glass

A: This beer pours a hazy amber color with a one finger of frothy khaki colored head. Head retains nicely and leaves sheets of frothy, sticky lacing on the glass.

S: Nose is grassy, sweet caramel and toasted notes.

T: Taste starts somewhat grainy before a light sweetness moves in. Lighter toasted notes with some mild biscuity flavoring fill out the middle. Finish has a wonderful grassy, earthy taste.

M: Lighter side of medium body, good moderate carbonation, crisp, clean feel.

O: Goes down easily, tasty, not too filling, mild kick, nice representation of style. This has to be one of the most drinkable English Pales that I've come across. I'd hit this one up again in a heart beat!

Serving type: on-tap

06-03-2011 12:49:31 | More by Jayli

Arithmeticus

Maryland

3.78/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Poured chilled in ale glass

A: copper orange, ok head; clear, moderate carb stream; good lacing
S: lemon, malt, but slight
T: richer, broader flavor than the average English pale ale (a genre I generally disfavor); semi-complex and good balance of hops against barley

Overall, a pretty good, solid, unspectacular (in a good sense) ale.

Serving type: bottle

05-03-2011 15:19:37 | More by Arithmeticus

smibroncos

New York

3.48/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A. Poured a clear amber copper with a short one finger diminishing white head. Not much lacing on the glass.

S. Malt, cereal, grass

T. Sweet maltiness, carmel, light brown sugar, some maple notes, then turns bitter and dry on the tongue.

M. Medium bodied slightly heavy on the carbonation, good duration

D. Overal a decent brew, nothing over the top but a decent brew.

Serving type: on-tap

04-07-2011 20:02:22 | More by smibroncos

DrDemento456

Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Got a free 4oz sample at my local beer store. Worth the review.

A - Pours a nice amber yellow with very mild soapy head or lace.

S - Noting spectacular. I did get some hops and the malts did smell fairly sweet.

T - I was actually impressed by the taste since it came off rather sweet with the malts. Their really was no hop profile, mild at best but it seemed drinkable enough.

M - I expected it to be around 5 percent so 4.7 makes some pretty light to medium body beer.

D - I will probably pick up a bottle or two when my beer place gets a better selection for their mix and match for 10 dollar section. A pretty staple ale in the beer world

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2011 16:27:08 | More by DrDemento456

afksports

New York

3.03/5  rDev -18.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

Old Dominion Ale is the ultimate "meh" beer for me honestly. Pale ales whether English or American are just "meh". This is true to style so that's what it gets.

Amber body, minimal head, lacing that disappears mid-pint. Smells toasty, malted, sugar, and light bitter pine hops. Tastes that way too with the malts taking over in the middle an yielding to piney bitter by the end. This beer ia a drinker, not much else. A low alcohol volume matches the style and ensures that this one can stick around.

But it won't stand out.

Serving type: on-tap

01-13-2011 22:35:28 | More by afksports

erosier

Connecticut

3.5/5  rDev -6.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

L: Pours a nice slightly hazy copper-brown color with a tall and medium bodied off-white/tan colored head that laces the glass a lot on the way down.
S: Smells of sweet roasted malts, nice citrus aromas mixed with toffee, caramel, and some hops.
T: Tastes of sweet roasted malts, caramelized malts, some toffee, and then a nice citrus hop finish.
M: Smooth, medium bodied, perfect amount of carbonation.
D: Pretty good drinkability, nice mix of flavors, and feel.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2011 12:08:31 | More by erosier

firkinhophead

Georgia

3.55/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

on-tap at Wash National airport.

pours a nice clear golden brown. not much head and just some spotty lace.

aroma of toasted grains and some faint grassy hops.

taste is toasty and a bit nutty, with a decent grassy hop bite. tea-like herbs, some cardboardy mustiness is the only real flaw.

dry, grainy mouthfeel. good carbonation.

drinkability is what it is all about. grassiness in the lingering finish starts to overwhelm the malts. still, an enjoyable english style pale/esb.

Serving type: on-tap

11-06-2010 19:09:02 | More by firkinhophead

Thorpe429

Illinois

3.6/5  rDev -3.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Reviewed from notes.

Pours a sligtly hazed golden color with a white head. Nose is lift toffee and some citrus and floral hops. A bit of diacetyl but not too much and it fits in somewhat well. Taste is a bit sweet and a bit bitter. Pretty good balance. Feel is a bit thin but has good carbonation levels and a nice finish. Drinks well and is fairly sessionable.

Serving type: on-tap

11-01-2010 12:39:49 | More by Thorpe429

brentk56

North Carolina

3.78/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: Pours a slightly hazy amber color with a massive head that leaves a fair bit of lace behind

Smell: Smells very English, with a fruity, toffee character but there is diacetyl detectable on the nose

Taste: Tastes English, too, with toffee forward and an earthy, fruity hop character developing by mid-palate; after the swallow, the diacetyl makes an impact, adding a buttery dimension to the flavor profile

Mouthfeel: Medium body with moderate carbonation and a bit of slickness on the tongue

Drinkability: Pretty good example of an English style, but pales in comparison to the real thing

Serving type: bottle

10-28-2010 00:06:55 | More by brentk56

TMoney2591

Illinois

3.9/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served in a Chicago Bears shaker pint glass.

I love the cheap brews at Whole Foods. This one pours a borderline hazy sunrise amber topped by a finger of creamy ecru foam. The nose comprises buttery biscuits, light caramel, and a splash of fresh flowers. The taste follows closely, with a touch more butter on the biscuits and a twist of orange zest in the background. The body is a light medium, with a light carbonation and a smooth feel. Overall, a rather nice EPA, an admitted surprise from Dominion. And you can't beat that price (trust me)!

Serving type: bottle

10-15-2010 16:48:34 | More by TMoney2591