Belhaven - Wee Heavy
Belhaven - Wee Heavy
Style: Scotch Wee Heavy
ABV: 6.5%
Origin: Dunbar, Scotland
From the website:
It may have come from a right old recipe but Wee Heavy fits the bill today as much as it ever has. It is a classic Scottish heavy but has a lightness of flavour and a great reddish colour in the glass.
John Johnstone took ownership of the site in 1719 and it's widely accepted that under his ownership the brewery started brewing for commercial sale.
1815 saw the end of the Johnstone dynasty when Ellis Dudgeon married into the Johnstone family. For nearly 150 years, the brewery traded as Dudgeon & Co. Under Ellis Dudgeon and his successor, son-in-law Alexander Hunter, a wide variety of ales were produced. At this time, the 'shilling' terminology was widely used to categorise beers in Scotland. It was really just an invoice price but was a useful indicator of ascending strengths (although not particularly accurate!). The Dudgeon range stretched from light table / harvest beers (27/- and 36/-) to much stronger, export ales like the 54/- and 80/-.
Commercial rail made it to Dunbar in 1846 both opening Belhaven up to a wider audience but conversely exposing the brewery to competition from further afield. At this time, Dudgeons diversified the business to focus on the maltings side (while still producing beer but in smaller quantities). It is thought that this diversification enabled Dudgeons to survive the widespread changes affecting other smaller Scottish breweries whose numbers dwindled as a result of closure or amalgamation.
Through both world wars, Dudgeon continued malting and brewing for the military with a notable key customer - Belhaven Beers. After WWII, Sandy Dudgeon Hunter (son of Ellis) joined the firm and spearheaded the successful development of award winning ales.
By the 1970s, the malting side of the business that had seen the company survive two world wars, was feeling the strain of competition from modern automated plants. In 1972, family ownership came to an end as the business was sold. But this end was just the beginning of a twenty-year vibrant and significant period of growth for Belhaven.
1993 and a Management buy-out led by Stuart Ross enabled the management team to further expand and develop the business resulting in a successful flotation on the London Stock Exchange in 1996.
Most recently (2005), Belhaven was bought by Greene King.
Style description: Scotch Wee Heavy
Link to product website: Belhaven
Photo credit: moribeer.exblog.jp
Style: Scotch Wee Heavy
ABV: 6.5%
Origin: Dunbar, Scotland
From the website:
It may have come from a right old recipe but Wee Heavy fits the bill today as much as it ever has. It is a classic Scottish heavy but has a lightness of flavour and a great reddish colour in the glass.
John Johnstone took ownership of the site in 1719 and it's widely accepted that under his ownership the brewery started brewing for commercial sale.
1815 saw the end of the Johnstone dynasty when Ellis Dudgeon married into the Johnstone family. For nearly 150 years, the brewery traded as Dudgeon & Co. Under Ellis Dudgeon and his successor, son-in-law Alexander Hunter, a wide variety of ales were produced. At this time, the 'shilling' terminology was widely used to categorise beers in Scotland. It was really just an invoice price but was a useful indicator of ascending strengths (although not particularly accurate!). The Dudgeon range stretched from light table / harvest beers (27/- and 36/-) to much stronger, export ales like the 54/- and 80/-.
Commercial rail made it to Dunbar in 1846 both opening Belhaven up to a wider audience but conversely exposing the brewery to competition from further afield. At this time, Dudgeons diversified the business to focus on the maltings side (while still producing beer but in smaller quantities). It is thought that this diversification enabled Dudgeons to survive the widespread changes affecting other smaller Scottish breweries whose numbers dwindled as a result of closure or amalgamation.
Through both world wars, Dudgeon continued malting and brewing for the military with a notable key customer - Belhaven Beers. After WWII, Sandy Dudgeon Hunter (son of Ellis) joined the firm and spearheaded the successful development of award winning ales.
By the 1970s, the malting side of the business that had seen the company survive two world wars, was feeling the strain of competition from modern automated plants. In 1972, family ownership came to an end as the business was sold. But this end was just the beginning of a twenty-year vibrant and significant period of growth for Belhaven.
1993 and a Management buy-out led by Stuart Ross enabled the management team to further expand and develop the business resulting in a successful flotation on the London Stock Exchange in 1996.
Most recently (2005), Belhaven was bought by Greene King.
Style description: Scotch Wee Heavy
Link to product website: Belhaven
Photo credit: moribeer.exblog.jp
Belhaven - Scottish Stout
Belhaven - Scottish Stout
Style: English Stout
ABV: 7.0%
Origin: Dunbar, Scotland
We reckon this is the porter equivalent of the tall dark handsome stranger, but with its blend of triple malts, roasted chocolate flavour and hop character, once you've tried this deluxe stout you'll want to get reacquainted.
Belhaven Brewery is proud to announce that Belhaven Scottish Stout has received top marks from the Beverage Testing Institute in their 2008 World Beer Championships Awards. The deluxe handcrafted stout at 7%, was awarded its top rating - 96 points and a Platinum Medal - in the 'Strong Stout' category.
"It's an honour," said George Howell, Head Brewer at Belhaven Brewery. "Belhaven's products are all about quality, flavour and authenticity.
Achievements like these validate the brands position as an authentic, deluxe stout. The brand was only launched in 2007 and it is already one of our top selling export brands in the States".
The Scottish Stout was described by the Beverage Testing Institute as having "aromas of baker's chocolate" and "charred nuts." Delicious!
Style description: English Stout
Link to product website: Belhaven
Style: English Stout
ABV: 7.0%
Origin: Dunbar, Scotland
We reckon this is the porter equivalent of the tall dark handsome stranger, but with its blend of triple malts, roasted chocolate flavour and hop character, once you've tried this deluxe stout you'll want to get reacquainted.
Belhaven Brewery is proud to announce that Belhaven Scottish Stout has received top marks from the Beverage Testing Institute in their 2008 World Beer Championships Awards. The deluxe handcrafted stout at 7%, was awarded its top rating - 96 points and a Platinum Medal - in the 'Strong Stout' category.
"It's an honour," said George Howell, Head Brewer at Belhaven Brewery. "Belhaven's products are all about quality, flavour and authenticity.
Achievements like these validate the brands position as an authentic, deluxe stout. The brand was only launched in 2007 and it is already one of our top selling export brands in the States".
The Scottish Stout was described by the Beverage Testing Institute as having "aromas of baker's chocolate" and "charred nuts." Delicious!
Style description: English Stout
Link to product website: Belhaven
Belhaven - Twisted Thistle
Belhaven - Twisted Thistle
Style: English IPA ABV: 6.1% Origin: Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland A refreshing example of an India Pale Ale from the master brewers at Belhaven. The blend of Cascade and Challenger hops combine to produce an abundance of fresh hop aroma that preludes a bitter-dry taste explosion. Crafted from nearly three centuries of brewing heritage at Scotland's oldest independent brewery, this ale from Belhaven will have your taste buds tingling. From the Belhaven Brewery website: A stunning India Pale Ale (IPA), don't think that Belhaven's Twisted Thistle has anything jaggy, spikey, prickly or otherwise pain-inflicting in its nature. Quite the opposite. Your taste buds will tingle with pleasure after a sip or two of this golden nectar. A real treat from our master brewers in Dunbar. |
Orkney - Skull Splitter
Orkney - Skull Splitter
Style: Scotch Wee Heavy
ABV: 8.5%
Origin: Orkney, Scotland
The tranquil Orkney Islands, with their fertile farming lands and fishing grounds, have been inhabited for over 5000 years. The Orkney brewery is housed in the former schoolhouse in Quoyloo in the heart of Neolithic Orkney. The unrushed culture with its traditional values influences the way we make our beer. We give undivided attention to each stage of the brewing process to ensure that our beer reaches you in perfect condition.
This timeless approach has helped us win many national and international awards for both our cask and bottled beers which we hope you will enjoy.
SkullSplitter is Orkney's strongest ale, weighing in at 8.5% ABV.
This brew is named after Thorfinn Einarsson, who was the 7th Viking Earl of Orkney.
Sophisticated, satiny smooth with a deceptively light character.
On the nose, this strong beer has a fruity malt character, with hints of dark fruit, spicy hop, dates and figs. On the palate, rich and complex with sweet toasted malt, molasses, fresh and dried fruit and hints of warming spices.
Appearance: A crystal-clear, rich tawny-red colour beer; a tight, smooth head with hints of red and amber colour.
Aroma: Juicy, almost fruity malt character, together with a medley of fresh and dried fruits, dates and figs, hints of ginger and cinnamon spice, hints of vanilla.
Palate: A rich, fruity, wine-like complexity on the palate includes fresh and dried fruits, warm exotic spices, and light summer citrus fruits.
Key Ingredients:
Very best pale ale malt, and plenty of it, together with crystal and chocolate malts provide a rich, fruity backbone which is perfectly balanced by the spicy herbal character of East Kent Goldings hops.
Style description: Scotch Wee Heavy
Link to product website: Orkney
Photo credit: songanddrink.blogspot.com
Style: Scotch Wee Heavy
ABV: 8.5%
Origin: Orkney, Scotland
The tranquil Orkney Islands, with their fertile farming lands and fishing grounds, have been inhabited for over 5000 years. The Orkney brewery is housed in the former schoolhouse in Quoyloo in the heart of Neolithic Orkney. The unrushed culture with its traditional values influences the way we make our beer. We give undivided attention to each stage of the brewing process to ensure that our beer reaches you in perfect condition.
This timeless approach has helped us win many national and international awards for both our cask and bottled beers which we hope you will enjoy.
SkullSplitter is Orkney's strongest ale, weighing in at 8.5% ABV.
This brew is named after Thorfinn Einarsson, who was the 7th Viking Earl of Orkney.
Sophisticated, satiny smooth with a deceptively light character.
On the nose, this strong beer has a fruity malt character, with hints of dark fruit, spicy hop, dates and figs. On the palate, rich and complex with sweet toasted malt, molasses, fresh and dried fruit and hints of warming spices.
Appearance: A crystal-clear, rich tawny-red colour beer; a tight, smooth head with hints of red and amber colour.
Aroma: Juicy, almost fruity malt character, together with a medley of fresh and dried fruits, dates and figs, hints of ginger and cinnamon spice, hints of vanilla.
Palate: A rich, fruity, wine-like complexity on the palate includes fresh and dried fruits, warm exotic spices, and light summer citrus fruits.
Key Ingredients:
Very best pale ale malt, and plenty of it, together with crystal and chocolate malts provide a rich, fruity backbone which is perfectly balanced by the spicy herbal character of East Kent Goldings hops.
Style description: Scotch Wee Heavy
Link to product website: Orkney
Photo credit: songanddrink.blogspot.com
Orkney - Red MacGregor
Orkney - Red MacGregor
Style: Scottish Ale
ABV: 4.0%
Origin: Orkney, Scotland
Red Macgregor is a unique beer, delicate and sophisticated. The robust cask conditioned version of this beer was the first Scottish beer to win the BIIA World Cask Beer Gold Medal.
A brilliant ruby-red colour, with a smooth white head. On the nose, this ruby-red beer is delicate, floral and fruity, with notes of violets, cherries, toffee and caramel. On the palate, the fruits combine with a juicy malt character and hints of toasted malt, with a biscuit malt and spicy hop finish.
Key Ingredients: Crystal and chocolate malt give this beer its distinctive ruby-red colour, and its backbone of toasted malt flavour; Cascade hops, rarely found in darker beers, give the floral, perfumed fruitiness.
Pairings: Casseroles, pies and smoked cheeses.
Style description: Scottish Ale
Link to product website: Orkney
Photo credit: brewsandblues.org
Style: Scottish Ale
ABV: 4.0%
Origin: Orkney, Scotland
Red Macgregor is a unique beer, delicate and sophisticated. The robust cask conditioned version of this beer was the first Scottish beer to win the BIIA World Cask Beer Gold Medal.
A brilliant ruby-red colour, with a smooth white head. On the nose, this ruby-red beer is delicate, floral and fruity, with notes of violets, cherries, toffee and caramel. On the palate, the fruits combine with a juicy malt character and hints of toasted malt, with a biscuit malt and spicy hop finish.
Key Ingredients: Crystal and chocolate malt give this beer its distinctive ruby-red colour, and its backbone of toasted malt flavour; Cascade hops, rarely found in darker beers, give the floral, perfumed fruitiness.
Pairings: Casseroles, pies and smoked cheeses.
Style description: Scottish Ale
Link to product website: Orkney
Photo credit: brewsandblues.org
Orkney - Dark Island
Orkney - Dark Island
Style: Scottish Ale
ABV: 4.6%
Origin: Orkney, Scotland
Dark Island is an iconic beer: a standard-bearer for traditional Scottish ales. In cask, this beer has twice won CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Scotland.
On the nose, this dark beer offers bitter chocolate, figs, toffee and hints of fruit.
On the palate, this resolves into beautiful, silky-smooth, coffee-and-chocolate flavours, followed by figs, dates and dried fruits, with a very appealing, lingering aftertaste of fruits and hop bitterness.
Appearance: A very dark beer with a deep ruby tint, displaying a tight, smooth, almost white head
Aroma: Chocolate, winter fruits and dried fruits, with hints of smooth roasted malt, coffee, nuts and toffee
Palate: Chocolate, coffee and roast malt flavours, giving way to warm winter fruits and a balanced, more-ish aftertaste
Key Ingredients: Chocolate malt, crystal malt and wheat give this beer its smooth, full-bodied, maltiness and sweetness; First Gold and Goldings hops combine with the malt flavours to deliver the winter fruits and dried fruits aspects.
Style description: Scottish Ale
Link to product website: Orkney
Style: Scottish Ale
ABV: 4.6%
Origin: Orkney, Scotland
Dark Island is an iconic beer: a standard-bearer for traditional Scottish ales. In cask, this beer has twice won CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Scotland.
On the nose, this dark beer offers bitter chocolate, figs, toffee and hints of fruit.
On the palate, this resolves into beautiful, silky-smooth, coffee-and-chocolate flavours, followed by figs, dates and dried fruits, with a very appealing, lingering aftertaste of fruits and hop bitterness.
Appearance: A very dark beer with a deep ruby tint, displaying a tight, smooth, almost white head
Aroma: Chocolate, winter fruits and dried fruits, with hints of smooth roasted malt, coffee, nuts and toffee
Palate: Chocolate, coffee and roast malt flavours, giving way to warm winter fruits and a balanced, more-ish aftertaste
Key Ingredients: Chocolate malt, crystal malt and wheat give this beer its smooth, full-bodied, maltiness and sweetness; First Gold and Goldings hops combine with the malt flavours to deliver the winter fruits and dried fruits aspects.
Style description: Scottish Ale
Link to product website: Orkney
Newcastle - Winter IPA
Newcastle - Winter IPA
Style: English India Pale Ale
ABV: 5.2%
Origin: Edinburgh, Scotland
Poured into a 16 oz. goblet.
Pours a dark amber color; looks a lot like strong tea. A two-finger off-white head with tons of sticky lacing.
Smells of caramel, cherries and other ripe fruity aromas. Some nice, earthy hop aromas in there, too.
Taste is malty, fruity and sweet up front with a smooth transition into a herbal, hoppy finish.
Mouthfeel is a just little on the thin side, but carbonation level is low and not dry at all.
Overall, probably the best English IPA I've ever had. This beer gets a lot of bad reviews, I think because so many people expect an English IPA to taste like the pine sappy, grapefruity American IPAs that are so popular these days. This is a nicely balanced and complex beer that I hate to see called a "Limited Edition." SO much better than Newcastle's flagship Brown Ale. Hopefully, it will become a yearly, seasonal brew.
From the now-defunct website:
"Brewed with flavorful hops and seductive malt, our Newcastle Winter IPA hearkens back to the original India Pale Ale recipes of the 1700s. A balanced body, warm mouth-feel, and long, bittersweet finish make it the perfect beer for the season. It's zesty yet subtle, strong yet creamy. If only winter could last just a wee bit longer."
Style description: English IPA
Style: English India Pale Ale
ABV: 5.2%
Origin: Edinburgh, Scotland
Poured into a 16 oz. goblet.
Pours a dark amber color; looks a lot like strong tea. A two-finger off-white head with tons of sticky lacing.
Smells of caramel, cherries and other ripe fruity aromas. Some nice, earthy hop aromas in there, too.
Taste is malty, fruity and sweet up front with a smooth transition into a herbal, hoppy finish.
Mouthfeel is a just little on the thin side, but carbonation level is low and not dry at all.
Overall, probably the best English IPA I've ever had. This beer gets a lot of bad reviews, I think because so many people expect an English IPA to taste like the pine sappy, grapefruity American IPAs that are so popular these days. This is a nicely balanced and complex beer that I hate to see called a "Limited Edition." SO much better than Newcastle's flagship Brown Ale. Hopefully, it will become a yearly, seasonal brew.
From the now-defunct website:
"Brewed with flavorful hops and seductive malt, our Newcastle Winter IPA hearkens back to the original India Pale Ale recipes of the 1700s. A balanced body, warm mouth-feel, and long, bittersweet finish make it the perfect beer for the season. It's zesty yet subtle, strong yet creamy. If only winter could last just a wee bit longer."
Style description: English IPA
Newcastle - Werewolf
Newcastle - Werewolf
Style: Irish Red Ale
ABV: 4.5%
Origin: Edinburgh, Scotland
Text from All About Beer Magazine:
On shelves from August through October, Werewolf is a dual-character, “blood red” ale that starts smooth and mellow and transforms suddenly to offer a bite of bitterness that is long and lingering.
Newcastle Werewolf is brewed with rye malts, making it naturally blood-red in color. It has an ABV of 4.5 percent with 23.4 International Bittering Units (IBUs). Werewolf stays true to the characteristics of Newcastle Bown Ale but offers a seasonally advantageous palate – sweet berry fruit with roasted caramel notes up front followed by a bite of bitterness from the Fuggle and Golding hops at the finish.
Style description: Irish Red Ale
Style: Irish Red Ale
ABV: 4.5%
Origin: Edinburgh, Scotland
Text from All About Beer Magazine:
On shelves from August through October, Werewolf is a dual-character, “blood red” ale that starts smooth and mellow and transforms suddenly to offer a bite of bitterness that is long and lingering.
Newcastle Werewolf is brewed with rye malts, making it naturally blood-red in color. It has an ABV of 4.5 percent with 23.4 International Bittering Units (IBUs). Werewolf stays true to the characteristics of Newcastle Bown Ale but offers a seasonally advantageous palate – sweet berry fruit with roasted caramel notes up front followed by a bite of bitterness from the Fuggle and Golding hops at the finish.
Style description: Irish Red Ale
Traquair - House Ale
Traquair - House Ale
Style: Scottish Wee Heavy
ABV: 7.2%
Origin: Peebleshire, Scotland
Ingredients:
Traquair House Ale is made from malted barley, hops, yeast and pure spring water. We do not use any preservatives or enzyme stabilisation in our products. The Malt is purchased from Muntons in Suffolk. Hops used are East Kent Goldings and water from an underground spring on the hills of Traquair Estate.
Method Of Production:
The traditional brewing process used in the production of Traquair House Ale consists of the following; 1. Traditional infusion mashing process. The wort is then drawn off and boiled during which process the hops are added.
The wort is now cooled and pitched with top fermenting yeast under controlled temperature. It is then fermented in oak over a period of seven days. The beer is then transferred into cold storage tanks or barrels and matured over a period of weeks. After maturation the beer is filtered prior to packing.
Origin:
The brewery was originally an 18th century domestic brewery producing beer for the house and estate workers. It was disused some time after 1800 but the vessels and equipment remained untouched until it was rediscovered in 1965. Traquair House brewery founded in 1965 by Peter Maxwell Stuart, 20th Laird of Traquair. Since his death in 1990 the brewery has been managed by his daughter Catherine Maxwell Stuart. In 1997, the brewery was formed into a limited company.
Production:
The brewery currently produces around 600 - 700 barrels per annum. (200,000 bottles and the remainder draught) Brewing takes place all year round with the exception of August. The brewery expanded its premises in 1993 but continues to ferment its total production in the original oak vessels. At present there is room to increase production by a further 20% but there are no plans to expand beyond this as it is intended to retain brewing in the original style and premises.
Style description: Scotch Wee Heavy
Link to product website: Traquair
Photo Credit: beerisseur.wordpress.com
Style: Scottish Wee Heavy
ABV: 7.2%
Origin: Peebleshire, Scotland
Ingredients:
Traquair House Ale is made from malted barley, hops, yeast and pure spring water. We do not use any preservatives or enzyme stabilisation in our products. The Malt is purchased from Muntons in Suffolk. Hops used are East Kent Goldings and water from an underground spring on the hills of Traquair Estate.
Method Of Production:
The traditional brewing process used in the production of Traquair House Ale consists of the following; 1. Traditional infusion mashing process. The wort is then drawn off and boiled during which process the hops are added.
The wort is now cooled and pitched with top fermenting yeast under controlled temperature. It is then fermented in oak over a period of seven days. The beer is then transferred into cold storage tanks or barrels and matured over a period of weeks. After maturation the beer is filtered prior to packing.
Origin:
The brewery was originally an 18th century domestic brewery producing beer for the house and estate workers. It was disused some time after 1800 but the vessels and equipment remained untouched until it was rediscovered in 1965. Traquair House brewery founded in 1965 by Peter Maxwell Stuart, 20th Laird of Traquair. Since his death in 1990 the brewery has been managed by his daughter Catherine Maxwell Stuart. In 1997, the brewery was formed into a limited company.
Production:
The brewery currently produces around 600 - 700 barrels per annum. (200,000 bottles and the remainder draught) Brewing takes place all year round with the exception of August. The brewery expanded its premises in 1993 but continues to ferment its total production in the original oak vessels. At present there is room to increase production by a further 20% but there are no plans to expand beyond this as it is intended to retain brewing in the original style and premises.
Style description: Scotch Wee Heavy
Link to product website: Traquair
Photo Credit: beerisseur.wordpress.com
Traquair - Jacobite
Traquair - Jacobite
Style: Scottish Wee Heavy
ABV: 8%
Origin: Peebleshire, Scotland
A limited edition ale produced from an ancient recipe with the addition of coriander. Named for the 250th anniversary of the Jacobite Rebellion.
Taste:
A strong ale based on an ancient recipe, Jacobite Ale is spiced with hops as well as another traditional and ancient seasoning: coriander. Deep brown color; rich aroma of spice, chocolate and leather; full, creamy body.
Serving Suggestions:
Pâté de foie gras and other rich appetizers. Good to soak a Stilton in or to serve with Stilton or other blue cheese. Can accompany fruit and fruit tarts or as a morning pick-me-up with coffee and brunch. Excellent with fruit and cheese or as a winter warmer. Enjoy with a fine cigar. Serve in brandy snifter.
Accolades:
• "1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die," selection, A. Tierney-Jones, 2010
• Ratebeer.com: 99 points
• Gold Medal, 2008; Platinum Medal & "Top-rated Strong Ale"
- World Beer Championships 2005, 2004, 2003, 2000
• Five stars, "Supreme," - BevX, Jan. 2010.
Stats:
ABV: 8.0%
Original Gravity: 1.075
IBU: 23
Style description: Scottish Wee Heavy
Link to product website: Traquair
Photo credit: sparkchaser.org
Style: Scottish Wee Heavy
ABV: 8%
Origin: Peebleshire, Scotland
A limited edition ale produced from an ancient recipe with the addition of coriander. Named for the 250th anniversary of the Jacobite Rebellion.
Taste:
A strong ale based on an ancient recipe, Jacobite Ale is spiced with hops as well as another traditional and ancient seasoning: coriander. Deep brown color; rich aroma of spice, chocolate and leather; full, creamy body.
Serving Suggestions:
Pâté de foie gras and other rich appetizers. Good to soak a Stilton in or to serve with Stilton or other blue cheese. Can accompany fruit and fruit tarts or as a morning pick-me-up with coffee and brunch. Excellent with fruit and cheese or as a winter warmer. Enjoy with a fine cigar. Serve in brandy snifter.
Accolades:
• "1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die," selection, A. Tierney-Jones, 2010
• Ratebeer.com: 99 points
• Gold Medal, 2008; Platinum Medal & "Top-rated Strong Ale"
- World Beer Championships 2005, 2004, 2003, 2000
• Five stars, "Supreme," - BevX, Jan. 2010.
Stats:
ABV: 8.0%
Original Gravity: 1.075
IBU: 23
Style description: Scottish Wee Heavy
Link to product website: Traquair
Photo credit: sparkchaser.org
Harviestoun - Old Engine Oil
Harviestoun - Old Engine Oil
Style: English Porter
ABV: 6%
Origin: Alva, Scotland
Old Engine Oil is strong and dark but wickedly smooth. Chocolate dominates the palate but is nicely balanced by a hoppy bitterness. Old Engine Oil is a delicious post-prandial with a bitter-sweet aftertaste.
Harviestoun's founder, Ken Brooker, spent much of his early life crafting wooden design prototypes for Ford motor company. The viscous nature of this beer reminded Ken of car engine oil, so he named it in honor of his first love, the internal combustion engine.
Old Engine Oil has massive a massive amount of roasted barley and is well hopped with the sweetish Galena hop, as well as the Worcester Fuggles (which have an aniseedy flavour) and the suitably oily Kent Goldings hops.
From the website:
Legend has it that Old Engine Oil was dedicated to our Head Brewer’s love of classic cars. But it’s the thick, dark, chocolatey viscosity that reveals the real inspiration behind the name.
We use loads of roasted malt to give it a rich black colour and add plenty of oats to smooth out the tannins and give it a creamy mouthfeel. No aroma hops here, just Galena, East Kent Goldings and Fuggles for bittering. It’s just the job for anyone who appreciates beautifully engineered stuff that used to be made properly. So undo the top button of your pressed pits overalls, ease into the wingback and roll out a rare taste of a truly great British beer.
Style Description: English Porter
Link to product website: Harviestoun
Style: English Porter
ABV: 6%
Origin: Alva, Scotland
Old Engine Oil is strong and dark but wickedly smooth. Chocolate dominates the palate but is nicely balanced by a hoppy bitterness. Old Engine Oil is a delicious post-prandial with a bitter-sweet aftertaste.
Harviestoun's founder, Ken Brooker, spent much of his early life crafting wooden design prototypes for Ford motor company. The viscous nature of this beer reminded Ken of car engine oil, so he named it in honor of his first love, the internal combustion engine.
Old Engine Oil has massive a massive amount of roasted barley and is well hopped with the sweetish Galena hop, as well as the Worcester Fuggles (which have an aniseedy flavour) and the suitably oily Kent Goldings hops.
From the website:
Legend has it that Old Engine Oil was dedicated to our Head Brewer’s love of classic cars. But it’s the thick, dark, chocolatey viscosity that reveals the real inspiration behind the name.
We use loads of roasted malt to give it a rich black colour and add plenty of oats to smooth out the tannins and give it a creamy mouthfeel. No aroma hops here, just Galena, East Kent Goldings and Fuggles for bittering. It’s just the job for anyone who appreciates beautifully engineered stuff that used to be made properly. So undo the top button of your pressed pits overalls, ease into the wingback and roll out a rare taste of a truly great British beer.
Style Description: English Porter
Link to product website: Harviestoun
Harviestoun - Bitter & Twisted
Harviestoun - Bitter & Twisted
Style: English India Pale Ale
ABV: 4.2%
Origin: Alva, Scotland
From the website:
Bitter & Twisted was allegedly named after our brewer’s wife.
A refreshingly lively blonde beer with a tingly, lemony finish, it goes down a whole lot better than his little joke did.
There’s some caramel malt in here for a hint of sweetness, along with a few oats to add some body to the brew. And that beautiful, fruity aroma you’re getting comes from a delicate balance of Hersbrucker, Celeia, Perle and Bobek hops.
This is the connoisseur's session beer par excellence, saint and sinner in one bottle. Best to give into temptation and ask for forgiveness later, . . just like our brewer.
Style description: English India Pale Ale
Link to product website: Harviestoun
Style: English India Pale Ale
ABV: 4.2%
Origin: Alva, Scotland
From the website:
Bitter & Twisted was allegedly named after our brewer’s wife.
A refreshingly lively blonde beer with a tingly, lemony finish, it goes down a whole lot better than his little joke did.
There’s some caramel malt in here for a hint of sweetness, along with a few oats to add some body to the brew. And that beautiful, fruity aroma you’re getting comes from a delicate balance of Hersbrucker, Celeia, Perle and Bobek hops.
This is the connoisseur's session beer par excellence, saint and sinner in one bottle. Best to give into temptation and ask for forgiveness later, . . just like our brewer.
Style description: English India Pale Ale
Link to product website: Harviestoun
Williams Brothers - Alba Scots Pine Ale
Williams Brothers - Alba Scots Pine Ale
Style: Scottish Gruit
ABV: 7.5%
Origin: Alloa, Scotland
A traditional Highland recipe, popular in Northern Scotland until the end of the 19th Century. This "triple" style ale is spiced with sprigs of spruce and pine, harvested in the spring and brewed with only a small token handful of hops . Break out the goblets and pour with abandon. Rich, tawny and best enjoyed at Room temperature.
Malts: British Pale Ale Malt, Crystal Malt, Malted Wheat
Hops: First Gold
Additional Ingredients: Pine, Spruce, Bogmyrtal
Tasting Notes: Sweet Caramel, Fruity, Piney, Earthy
Smell: Pine Forrest, Woody, Slightly Sweet Malt, Honey
Style Description: Scottish Gruit
Link to product website: Williams Brothers
Style: Scottish Gruit
ABV: 7.5%
Origin: Alloa, Scotland
A traditional Highland recipe, popular in Northern Scotland until the end of the 19th Century. This "triple" style ale is spiced with sprigs of spruce and pine, harvested in the spring and brewed with only a small token handful of hops . Break out the goblets and pour with abandon. Rich, tawny and best enjoyed at Room temperature.
Malts: British Pale Ale Malt, Crystal Malt, Malted Wheat
Hops: First Gold
Additional Ingredients: Pine, Spruce, Bogmyrtal
Tasting Notes: Sweet Caramel, Fruity, Piney, Earthy
Smell: Pine Forrest, Woody, Slightly Sweet Malt, Honey
Style Description: Scottish Gruit
Link to product website: Williams Brothers
Williams Brothers - Ebulum Elderberry Black Ale
Williams Brothers - Ebulum Elderberry Black Ale
Style: Scottish Gruit
ABV: 6.5%
Origin: Alloa, Scotland
Elderberry ale has formed part of the Celtic tradition since it was introduced by Welsh druids in the 9th century, where the ale was passed around the people of the village during the Autumn festival. Our recipe was taken from a 16th century record of domestic drinking in the Scottish Highlands and is brewed with roasted barley and chocolate malt, then infused with elderberries to deliver a dark, rich, fruity beer with a strong single hop aroma and satisfying bitter conclusion.
In medieval times elderberries were used for many natural remedies and are known to be high in fruit tannins and oils. It is a rich black ale with fruit aroma, soft texture, roasted grain and red wine flavour, with a gentle finish.
Style description: Scottish Gruit
Link to product website: Williams Brothers
Photo credit: ourboozereviews.blogspot.com
Style: Scottish Gruit
ABV: 6.5%
Origin: Alloa, Scotland
Elderberry ale has formed part of the Celtic tradition since it was introduced by Welsh druids in the 9th century, where the ale was passed around the people of the village during the Autumn festival. Our recipe was taken from a 16th century record of domestic drinking in the Scottish Highlands and is brewed with roasted barley and chocolate malt, then infused with elderberries to deliver a dark, rich, fruity beer with a strong single hop aroma and satisfying bitter conclusion.
In medieval times elderberries were used for many natural remedies and are known to be high in fruit tannins and oils. It is a rich black ale with fruit aroma, soft texture, roasted grain and red wine flavour, with a gentle finish.
Style description: Scottish Gruit
Link to product website: Williams Brothers
Photo credit: ourboozereviews.blogspot.com
Williams Brothers - Fraoch Heather Ale
Williams Brothers - Fraoch Heather Ale
Style: Scottish Gruit
ABV: 5%
Origin: Alloa, Scotland
Original text from product website:
Brewed in Scotland since 2000 B.C. heather ale is probably the oldest style of ale still produced in the world. From an ancient Gaelic recipe for "leann fraoich" (heather ale) it has been revived and reintroduced to the Scottish culture.
Into the boiling bree of malted barley, sweet gale and flowering heather are added, then after cooling slightly the hot ale is poured into a vat of fresh heather flowers where it infuses for an hour before being fermented.
A light amber ale with floral peaty aroma, full malt character, a spicy herbal flavour and dry wine like finish.
This beer allows you to literally pour 4000 years of Scottish history into a glass.
Serve lightly chilled from a fluted glass.
Style description: Scottish Gruit
Link to product website: Williams Brothers
Photo credit: staythirstyblog.com
Style: Scottish Gruit
ABV: 5%
Origin: Alloa, Scotland
Original text from product website:
Brewed in Scotland since 2000 B.C. heather ale is probably the oldest style of ale still produced in the world. From an ancient Gaelic recipe for "leann fraoich" (heather ale) it has been revived and reintroduced to the Scottish culture.
Into the boiling bree of malted barley, sweet gale and flowering heather are added, then after cooling slightly the hot ale is poured into a vat of fresh heather flowers where it infuses for an hour before being fermented.
A light amber ale with floral peaty aroma, full malt character, a spicy herbal flavour and dry wine like finish.
This beer allows you to literally pour 4000 years of Scottish history into a glass.
Serve lightly chilled from a fluted glass.
Style description: Scottish Gruit
Link to product website: Williams Brothers
Photo credit: staythirstyblog.com
John Smith's - Extra Smooth Ale
John Smith's - Extra Smooth Ale
(Caledonian Brewery)
Style: English Pale Ale
ABV: 3.8%
Origin: Edinburgh, Scotland
"Tadcaster’s finest ale is named after its favourite son. The original John Smith began his drinking empire in 1847, when he started brewing his legendary ale for the town’s thirsty mill workers and factory hands. Some things never change: it soon became the nation’s favourite and now reigns as the nation’s No.1 ale.
The boffins say it has a distinct cereal character, with malty, caramel notes being complemented by some fruitiness. But we just think it’s a right good pint.
Extra Smooth is available in draught or in cans to be enjoyed at home (Both 3.6% ABV).
Plus – you can also get John Smith’s Extra Cold on draught: the same great taste, but colder. We don’t muck about with names see." - John Smith's website
Style description: English Pale Ale
Link to product website: John Smith's
(Caledonian Brewery)
Style: English Pale Ale
ABV: 3.8%
Origin: Edinburgh, Scotland
"Tadcaster’s finest ale is named after its favourite son. The original John Smith began his drinking empire in 1847, when he started brewing his legendary ale for the town’s thirsty mill workers and factory hands. Some things never change: it soon became the nation’s favourite and now reigns as the nation’s No.1 ale.
The boffins say it has a distinct cereal character, with malty, caramel notes being complemented by some fruitiness. But we just think it’s a right good pint.
Extra Smooth is available in draught or in cans to be enjoyed at home (Both 3.6% ABV).
Plus – you can also get John Smith’s Extra Cold on draught: the same great taste, but colder. We don’t muck about with names see." - John Smith's website
Style description: English Pale Ale
Link to product website: John Smith's
Arran - Blonde
Arran - Blonde
Style: English Pale Ale
ABV: 5.0%
Origin: Isle of Arran, Scotland
"From this island off the Scottish West Coast comes Arran Blonde, a light golden-coloured beer with a white, quite persistent head. On the nose it is very crisp and quite elegant, with citrus and hops and a distinct wheat beer perfume. On the palate there's a touch of grassy, herbal character and a smooth, medium- to full-bodied texture. The fine citrusy flavours fill-in on the mid-palate, and a real creaminess develops. It is a refreshing style of beer served quite cold, with a touch of caramel sweetness too. Lovely stuff." - Tom Cannavan, beer-pages.com
From the Arran website:
Isle of Arran Blonde Premium Beer is a product of its place: an island where nature still holds sway, where tradition is still valued. Arran blonde combines substance with zest, significance with freshness. A truly fine beer brewed from only the purest water and natural ingredients, and free of artificial additives or preservatives. Naturally.
Nose: Mild biscuity malts, herbal hops with discernible lemon notes infuse to create a beautiful aroma.
Palate: Light toasted malts with a taste of citrus hops. The sharpness is tampered down by a creamy smoothness.
Appearance: Light golden ale with a glowing warm honey hue.
Finish: Medium to light, pleasant, more sweet than a bitter, with a hint of golden syrup.
Comments: A delicate floral hoppy aroma. A subtle, well balanced finish with good character.
Style description: English Pale Ale
Link to product website: Arran
Style: English Pale Ale
ABV: 5.0%
Origin: Isle of Arran, Scotland
"From this island off the Scottish West Coast comes Arran Blonde, a light golden-coloured beer with a white, quite persistent head. On the nose it is very crisp and quite elegant, with citrus and hops and a distinct wheat beer perfume. On the palate there's a touch of grassy, herbal character and a smooth, medium- to full-bodied texture. The fine citrusy flavours fill-in on the mid-palate, and a real creaminess develops. It is a refreshing style of beer served quite cold, with a touch of caramel sweetness too. Lovely stuff." - Tom Cannavan, beer-pages.com
From the Arran website:
Isle of Arran Blonde Premium Beer is a product of its place: an island where nature still holds sway, where tradition is still valued. Arran blonde combines substance with zest, significance with freshness. A truly fine beer brewed from only the purest water and natural ingredients, and free of artificial additives or preservatives. Naturally.
Nose: Mild biscuity malts, herbal hops with discernible lemon notes infuse to create a beautiful aroma.
Palate: Light toasted malts with a taste of citrus hops. The sharpness is tampered down by a creamy smoothness.
Appearance: Light golden ale with a glowing warm honey hue.
Finish: Medium to light, pleasant, more sweet than a bitter, with a hint of golden syrup.
Comments: A delicate floral hoppy aroma. A subtle, well balanced finish with good character.
Style description: English Pale Ale
Link to product website: Arran
Arran - Dark
Arran - Dark
Style: Scottish Ale
ABV: 4.3%
Origin: Isle of Arran, Scotland
"There is something of a pagan feel about Arran. A place where nature still holds sway. Where the qualities of tradition are still valued. This Isle of Arran Dark Premium Beer offers you a smooth beer of weight and substance, brewed from only the purest water and natural ingredients, and free of artificial additives or preservatives. Naturally.
Nose: Rich caramel notes, followed up by dried fruit flavours that fill the nostrils.
Palate: Dominating notes of rich caramel malts hit the taste buds. The hops are nominal but detectable. Flavours bind together to create a clean and fruity after taste.
Appearance: Rich mahogany brown with a nutty creamy brown head.
Finish: Good body, not overly thick, with a medium carbonation.
Comments: The roasted qualities combined with a pleasant bitter chocolate finish make this a well rounded “Scottish Heavy”, worthy of a few pints." - Arran Website
Style description: Scottish Ale
Link to product website: Arran
Style: Scottish Ale
ABV: 4.3%
Origin: Isle of Arran, Scotland
"There is something of a pagan feel about Arran. A place where nature still holds sway. Where the qualities of tradition are still valued. This Isle of Arran Dark Premium Beer offers you a smooth beer of weight and substance, brewed from only the purest water and natural ingredients, and free of artificial additives or preservatives. Naturally.
Nose: Rich caramel notes, followed up by dried fruit flavours that fill the nostrils.
Palate: Dominating notes of rich caramel malts hit the taste buds. The hops are nominal but detectable. Flavours bind together to create a clean and fruity after taste.
Appearance: Rich mahogany brown with a nutty creamy brown head.
Finish: Good body, not overly thick, with a medium carbonation.
Comments: The roasted qualities combined with a pleasant bitter chocolate finish make this a well rounded “Scottish Heavy”, worthy of a few pints." - Arran Website
Style description: Scottish Ale
Link to product website: Arran
Broughton - Old Jock
Broughton - Old Jock
Style: Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
ABV: 6.7%
Origin: Broughton, Biggar, Scotland
"This dark red ale has a full-bodied flavour of malt on an excellent background of hop bitterness. The sweet malt offsets the fruity bitterness of the Perle and Bramling Cross. Savour this ale like a fine wine. Old Jock is a classic Scottish Ale and like all strong ales is best enjoyed at room temperature 10-12 deg C." - Broughton website
STORY: For centuries the soldiers of the Highland and Lowland Regiments of Scotland have been referred to as “Jocks” : powerful fighting men who have won battle honours all over the world from historical times to the present day. These men, who often fought in terrible conditions against great odds, were renowned for their determination and valour. Old Jock Ale reflects the strength and character of these men who would have enjoyed such a strong ale.
TASTING NOTES: This dark red ale has a full-bodied flavour of malt on an excellent background of hop bitterness. The sweet malt offsets the fruity bitterness of the Perle and Bramling Cross. Savour this ale like a fine wine. Old Jock is a classic Scottish Ale and like all strong ales is best enjoyed at room temperature 10-12 deg C.
FOOD PAIRING: Ideally served with strong cheeses.
MAJOR INGREDIENTS: Optic Pale Ale Malt, Roast Barley.
Hops used are English grown Challenger, Fuggles & First Gold.
Style description: Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
Link to product website: Broughton https://broughtonales.co.uk/
Style: Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
ABV: 6.7%
Origin: Broughton, Biggar, Scotland
"This dark red ale has a full-bodied flavour of malt on an excellent background of hop bitterness. The sweet malt offsets the fruity bitterness of the Perle and Bramling Cross. Savour this ale like a fine wine. Old Jock is a classic Scottish Ale and like all strong ales is best enjoyed at room temperature 10-12 deg C." - Broughton website
STORY: For centuries the soldiers of the Highland and Lowland Regiments of Scotland have been referred to as “Jocks” : powerful fighting men who have won battle honours all over the world from historical times to the present day. These men, who often fought in terrible conditions against great odds, were renowned for their determination and valour. Old Jock Ale reflects the strength and character of these men who would have enjoyed such a strong ale.
TASTING NOTES: This dark red ale has a full-bodied flavour of malt on an excellent background of hop bitterness. The sweet malt offsets the fruity bitterness of the Perle and Bramling Cross. Savour this ale like a fine wine. Old Jock is a classic Scottish Ale and like all strong ales is best enjoyed at room temperature 10-12 deg C.
FOOD PAIRING: Ideally served with strong cheeses.
MAJOR INGREDIENTS: Optic Pale Ale Malt, Roast Barley.
Hops used are English grown Challenger, Fuggles & First Gold.
Style description: Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
Link to product website: Broughton https://broughtonales.co.uk/