180 Shilling by Odell Brewing Co. is an Oak-Aged Ale and is being evaluated as a Wood-Aged Beer (2015 BJCP Category 22A) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect intense hoppiness supported by malt without being as sweet as an American Barleywine.
I am presented with a clear tawny beer supporting a large, thick and creamy beige head. Dry toasted bread malt notes escape the thick layer and bring a pleasant malt sweetness into my senses. The flavor is initially malty sweet with a drying alcohol character and a light hop bitterness. Full bodied and medium-light carbonation round out the initial evaluation.
Dark malt-derived melanoidins enter secondarily with notes of dates, figs, and light caramelization. A soft vanilla nose persists. The head slowly fades from its height to leave a short creamy top on the beer. Alcohol (floral, spicy) becomes more prominent in my future tastes, as does caramelized malt, and dark fruits. The malt sweetness lingers alongside the booze into the finish, with the booze taking on a young whiskey character. Medium stomach warming alcohol finishes off my experience.
Overall this is a strong beer that begins with a wonderful sweetness that ends up sharing the spotlight with a boozy flavor. The booze stops just shy of fusel and I am not sure that I could have more than one serving in an evening. A bit of age may brush back the booziness while retaining the malt character. I recommend pairing this one with a warm, doughy sugar cookie alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.