Greene King's Olde Suffolk English Ale

This is an unusual ale from the giant pub-owner and brewer based in Bury-St. Edmond's (those of you who remember the great show Lovejoy will know that Bury is in East Anglia). The late Michael Jackson pointed out that the Olde Suffolk is the only ale made these days with a blend of aged beer (in large oak tuns) and young beer. Interestingly, the bottle proclaims quite boldly that caramel color has been added, which is a huge point of contention in whiskey production. Bottled at about 6% ABV (which the bottle won't tell you), it is quite weighty for an ale. It wears it well, but is teetering a bit on the edge of strong alcohol. The caramel color and the aged beer gives this ale a rich, deep red color, almost bringing it into stout color range. The nose is rich, with some mild chocolate and fruity notes. I don't get the caramel or toffee that others are picking up, but it might be too cold for that (I had this bottle in the fridge). I'll let it come closer to cool room temperature and give it another go... mmm, the chocolate comes out more now. Very reminiscent of a stout now, but the taste is a little thin for my taste. I think the higher alcohol detracts from what could have been a great ale.