Old Empire

◎ Appearance

Old Empire presents a bright amber-gold hue, characteristic of its modest SRM 8 rating. The beer shows excellent clarity with a well-formed, persistent head that demonstrates strong schaumhaftung. Carbonation is brisk and visible, reinforcing the crisp character the brewery intends.

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with citrus and grapefruit notes from the American Cascade hops, layered beneath the herbal, slightly floral character of English Goldings and Fuggles. A ripe apricot note emerges on closer inspection, supported by a light spicy undertone from the malty base. The overall impression is fresh and balanced rather than aggressive.

◐ Taste

Entry is clean and crisp, with pronounced hop bitterness (35 IBU) that sits squarely in the palate without overwhelming. Mid-palate reveals a bittersweet tension between hoppy citrus and a warm, slightly spicy malty foundation; orange and grapefruit notes linger across the tongue. The medium body carries the flavors without feeling thin or overly robust.

◑ Finish

The finish is crisp and of moderate length, with the bitterness gradually yielding to a dry, slightly spicy malty aftertaste. No harsh edges or astringency remain; instead, a clean departure.