The favorite of Northern England, Brown Ales were the standard drink of most people due to the contamination risks inherent to drinking water at the time. Inability to evenly control the heat of the kilns led to a darker grain color. The maltster's efforts resulted in a darker beer with a warm, nutty flavor. Old Stitch, named after a common slang term for the devil, is well-balanced, mild and toasty with a fine, foamy head. Evil never tasted so good.