Drinking Motor Oil
Harviestoun’s Ola Dubh, or black oil, is one of the finest examples of a whiskey-barrel-aged beer that I’ve encountered. I’ve been eyeing this beer every time I go to the Good Food Store, but the $8.99 price tag for the 12-year-old Highland Park aged version hindered me, what with the bad economy and all.
Anticipating a nasty little virus I’ll inevitably inherit from my children this week, I decided to grab a bottle on a whim. Having had a bit of scotch last weekend, I was really looking forward to trying a beer aged in barrels of the finest scotch. I wasn’t disappointed.
The Ola Dubh 12-year-old Highland Park version is dark black and roasty with a malt spine anchored by decent hoppiness. But, it was the scotch notes I was after with this beer. The most noticeable scotch element to be tasted in this beer is a slight smoked-peat flavor with hints of vanilla and bit of fruit sweetness to balance.
Sipped slowly over the course of an hour, this beer opens into something that is truly an experience. I think I smelled this beer until I lost feeling in my nose, but it just kept opening up into new depths.
Can’t wait to try the Ola Dubh 18-year-old Highland Park.
Prost,
GG
ABV?
Now Dan, you know we don’t talk about ABV in Montana anymore. It has ceased to be relevant to the beer discussion. At least until the legislature gets its act together and writes new provisions into the existing laws.
I have a font they can use for printing it on each bottle. You need beer googles to read it…. that will show them.