Orkney Brewery Dark Island Old Ale at 4.6% ABV ($$6.16 via Beer Club Offering #11, 500ml, best before 1-Apr-2016)
Pours deep drown with hints of amber-brown around the margins, two fingers of light beige head diminishing rapidly to a thin cap, minimal lacing. (4/5) Nose is muted, toasted malts, coffee, earthy hops, molasses, smoked peat, sour red berries. (7/10) Taste is mild sweet and bitter, moderate sour/tart. (7/10) Light to medium body, somewhat thin and watery, moderate sustained carbonation, lingering tart bitter finish. (3/5)
Still not a fan of Scotch Ales, overall. This looks like it should be a porter or stout, which it emphatically is not, but that’s more of an aside than a major issue. There’s just a hint of smoke and peat here, but even that feels slightly out of place against the surprisingly light body and vinous, sour flavours. It’s quite drinkable, but I wouldn’t go looking for another. (15/20)
My 119th from the 2010 Edition of 1001 Beers, 112th by the 2013 Edition, and 122nd overall.
7/10 #1001beers #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
