Orkney Brewery Skull Splitter Scotch Ale at 8.5% ABV
Pours a clear medium to deep amber with a short beige head diminishing to a thin cap, spotty lacing. Nose is toffee malt, dark dried fruit, and molasses – almost rum-like, with a slight hint of alcohol. Taste is medium sweet and mild bitter. Medium to full bodied, medium to low carbonation, and a sweet finish with mild alcohol warming.
Not a big fan of wee heavy/scotch ales, so it’s hard for me to be even-handed rating this one. There’s a near-complete absence of hop character, and I can easily see something similar to this having been bittered with gruit in the past – but at least it’s not peaty. Realistically, it integrates the high ABV pretty well, and the fruit/vinoous notes work fairly well. Pretty drinkable for a high ABV scotch ale.
My 111th from the 2010 Edition of 1001 Beers, 105th by the 2013 Edition, and 114th overall.
7/10 #1001beers #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
One reply on “Orkney Brewery Skull Splitter – Scotch Ale at 8.5% ABV”
I had this one last week for the first time. Very drinkable for such a high ABV. If I hadn’t known I could easily see getting caught unaware drinking two or three and finding oneself much more intoxicated than expected.
A little thin and light for me, but I’m a stout fan first. Overall it was good, and I’d get it if I was out and it was on tap. It’s not something I’ll look for to bring home though.