Traquair Jacobite Flavored Ale, Traquair House (7.5% ABV) Orange russet in color with a tight tan head. Spicy (coriander), sweet malt aroma. Delicious and refreshing malt and spice flavor, very low bitterness, medium-full body; finishes off dry. An unusual brew. Bonnie Prince Charlie meets Pierre Celis!
SkullSplitter Orkney Ale, Orkney Brewery (8.5% ABV) Deep mahogany brown color; oatmeal head. Immense nutty malt nose with alcohol esters and a hint of smoke. Rich malt flavors, full bodied, ample alcohol, but not cloying. Lingering smoky, Scotch-like finish. An excellent strong Scotch ale, living up to its name.
The Red MacGregor, Orkney Brewery (5% ABV) Brilliant medium orange-red color with somewhat thin head. Some volatility and sourness in the nose, along with caramel malt notes. Acidic and a little phenolic in the mouth, with a light-medium body and a somewhat harsh, astringent finish. Rob Roy might not have wanted to admit his kinship with this one.
Spitfire Premium Ale, Shepherd Neame Brewery (5% ABV) Beautiful orange/amber color with a fine white, but not particularly dense, head. Malty sweet nose with herbal hop accent. Good malt flavor, well balanced with hop bitterness. A bit light in body, with a clean, hoppy finish. Well-made beer, probably much more flavorful as a cask ale. (The beer is no longer bottle conditioned.)
