Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Harvistoun Ola Dubh Aged In Highland Park Whiskey Casks
Ola Dubh (or ‘Black Oil’) is a collaboration between Harviestoun Brewery and Highland Park, Distiller of the Year*. It is based on Harviestoun’s award-winning Old Engine Oil. With more than a stylistic nod to the classic Imperial Porters (and Stouts) of the nineteenth century, this deliciously rich, dark, 8% a.b.v. beer is the first ale to be aged in malt whisky casks from a named distillery and, with traceable casks and numbered bottles with genuine provenance.
Ola Dubh will initially be available in three different expressions; the initial release will be of small batches aged in casks formerly used to mature Highland Park 12 Year Old, Highland Park 16 Year Old and Highland Park 30 Year Old. Further variants are planned for the future. Ola Dubh is, in the words of beer a cionado Owen D.L. Barstow: “The most interesting new British beer I have tried in years.”
Retaining the appearance of used motor oil from which the beer gets its name, it is deep dark brown, dense and oily. On the nose there are notes of true oil and cocoa as well as faint smoke and heathery peat from the whisky casks. Although lighter in body that its appearance suggests, Ola Dubh is pithy, oily, salty and bitter on the palate. The (flavor) is exceptional; burnt and bitter notes with an interplay of late hop characters, orange oil, fruity tartness and then delicate, fragrant smoke.
Harvistoun Ola Dubh 30 Year 330ml:
Harvistoun Ola Dubh 16 Year 330ml:
This one being aged in Highland Park “16 Year Old” casks. Some notes on the Scotch: Highland Park 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky received the accolade Best in Class at the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2006; it extends a finish which is rich, long, smoky and medium sweet.
Harvistoun Ola Dubh 12 Year 330ml:
This one being aged in Highland Park “12 Year Old” casks. Some notes about the Scotch: Highland Park 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky was awarded a Double Gold medal at San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2007; it lends balance, smoothness and subtle smoke.
Ola Dubh will initially be available in three different expressions; the initial release will be of small batches aged in casks formerly used to mature Highland Park 12 Year Old, Highland Park 16 Year Old and Highland Park 30 Year Old. Further variants are planned for the future. Ola Dubh is, in the words of beer a cionado Owen D.L. Barstow: “The most interesting new British beer I have tried in years.”
Retaining the appearance of used motor oil from which the beer gets its name, it is deep dark brown, dense and oily. On the nose there are notes of true oil and cocoa as well as faint smoke and heathery peat from the whisky casks. Although lighter in body that its appearance suggests, Ola Dubh is pithy, oily, salty and bitter on the palate. The (flavor) is exceptional; burnt and bitter notes with an interplay of late hop characters, orange oil, fruity tartness and then delicate, fragrant smoke.
Harvistoun Ola Dubh 30 Year 330ml:
Harvistoun Ola Dubh 16 Year 330ml:
This one being aged in Highland Park “16 Year Old” casks. Some notes on the Scotch: Highland Park 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky received the accolade Best in Class at the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2006; it extends a finish which is rich, long, smoky and medium sweet.
Harvistoun Ola Dubh 12 Year 330ml:
This one being aged in Highland Park “12 Year Old” casks. Some notes about the Scotch: Highland Park 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky was awarded a Double Gold medal at San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2007; it lends balance, smoothness and subtle smoke.
