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I was out in Charlotte, NC this past week on business. While there we discovered one of a small chain of pubs, Molly MacPherson’s, where they had everything Scottish available. The place had great food, tons of scotch and terrific beer.
After sampling the Skull Splitter and Old Engine Oil we turned our attention to Harviestoun Ola Dubh Special Reserve 12 Year. I’ve only just started drinking Scotch Ales recently, but I have to say they are quickly becoming a favorite style of mine. A perfect union of my love for scotch and beer it’s like having a mountain of cake and eating it too. Brewed as normal, the beer is then placed in Scotch casks to age.
Ola Dubh starts its life as the previously mentioned Old Engine Oil. A black ale, Old Engine Oil is a deep, dark, medium bodied beer that lacks the hoppy notes that generally reside in my beers of choice. The black ale works well, giving the Ola Dubh a canvas that doesn’t fight with the flavors imparted during aging. The resulting Ola Dubh layers on a taste of caramel and a smoky, woody, whiskey finish, without losing much, if anything from the base.
As a warning, price rises fairly quickly, based on the number of years the scotch was aged. A 6 pack of the 30 year will run you nearly $80. Cost aside, next steps for me no include figuring out how to acquire at least the 12 Year, if not some of the more expensive varieties, here in the mid-west.
From the Brewer:
