Brewery: Orkney Brewery
Location: Orkney, Scotland
Style: Scottish Ale
Brewery Website
Rating: B+
In my glass today is Skull Splitter, a Scotch Ale from the Orkney Islands in Scotland. Skull Splitter pours up a deep amber color with mahogany highlights. The head is foamy and a golden tan in color. On the nose there are aromas of fruity wine and a sweet bready malt, as well as a dry, spicy/woody note.
On the palate there is a dry fruitiness that evokes raisins and dates, but without bringing much sweetness to the party. The malt takes on a pretzel/pizza dough quality. Hops show up as hidden citrus and pine notes that take a few sips to find. Wininess and some oak are present on the palate as well. The Skull Splitter has a medium body that is quite smooth for such a big beer. There is a big, warming alcohol sensation that develops in the pit of your belly after a few sips. The finish, which is on the short side, has bitter hops that remain as the malt and fruit notes fade.
Skull Splitter is a very enjoyable ale. It is well balanced, and manages to be very dry without going too far and ending up over-dry. This is a big beer that drinks very easily. Be sure to sip this one, or you may end up waking up with a Skull Splitter of your own.
Showing posts with label Scottish Ale. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scottish Ale. Show all posts
Monday, March 7, 2011
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Belhaven Scottish Ale
Brewery: Belhaven Brewery Company Ltd.
Location: Dunbar, Scotland
Style: Scottish Ale
Brewery Website
Rating: A-
In my glass today is Belhaven Scottish Ale. The Belhaven is a deep amber-brown in color. It pours with a short, off-white, bubbly head. On the nose there is a mineral water characteristic along with dark wheat toast. Faint aromas of wood and wine hang in the background.
On the palate there is a distinct flavor of dark pretzels up front. A pleasing near-burnt wheat toast character from the malt takes center stage. There is a mild, herbal hop bite that plays a complimentary role. Faint wine notes and slight residual sweetness round out the flavor. The Belhaven Scottish Ale is medium bodied with a juicy mouthfeel. The finish has sweet juiciness over dark toast.
The Belhaven Scottish Ale has some great, deep toasted malt flavor that is balanced nicely by a juicy mouthfeel with supporting hops. The result is a beer with rich, distinct maltiness that is very drinkable and not overpoweringly heavy.
Location: Dunbar, Scotland
Style: Scottish Ale
Brewery Website
Rating: A-
In my glass today is Belhaven Scottish Ale. The Belhaven is a deep amber-brown in color. It pours with a short, off-white, bubbly head. On the nose there is a mineral water characteristic along with dark wheat toast. Faint aromas of wood and wine hang in the background.
On the palate there is a distinct flavor of dark pretzels up front. A pleasing near-burnt wheat toast character from the malt takes center stage. There is a mild, herbal hop bite that plays a complimentary role. Faint wine notes and slight residual sweetness round out the flavor. The Belhaven Scottish Ale is medium bodied with a juicy mouthfeel. The finish has sweet juiciness over dark toast.
The Belhaven Scottish Ale has some great, deep toasted malt flavor that is balanced nicely by a juicy mouthfeel with supporting hops. The result is a beer with rich, distinct maltiness that is very drinkable and not overpoweringly heavy.
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