A primarily English style of ale, Old ales are rich, have a tendency to be sweet are usually dark, and usually possess a fairly strong flavour. Their characteristic body, flavour and sweetness derives from the fact that they are not thoroughly fermented, leaving a larger quantity of the malt sugar in the beer. Old ales are generally of high strength, almost invariably over 5% ABV, and often 10% or more.

Commercial examples include Theakston Old Peculier and Robinwood Old Fart.