As their name implies, old ales are typically stocked or stored for long periods of time before consumption, the latter which traditionally involved blending the old ale with another "fresh" beer like a mild ale or bitter. Old ales could be viewed as strong mild ales that fall out somewhere in between strong bitters or brown porters and English barleywines. They are normally dark amber to deep brown in color with a head that may or may not impress (due to the age and relatively low carbonation). The style builds on several remaining unfermented sugars to offer chewy malty flavors (caramel, toffee, vinous, nuts, molasses, even light chocolate or roasted flavors and fruitiness), a firm and warming alcohol presence, and relatively low hop levels (especially after aging). Additionally, these beers can often take on oak, oxidized, and sour or lactic flavors after aging.
