Harviestoun Ola Dubh 30 Year Old

Country: Scotland

Brewery: Harviestoun

Style: Old Ale

Format: 330ml Bottle

ABV: 8%

Ola Dubh (or 'Black Oil') is a collaboration between Harviestoun Brewery and Highland Park Distillery. 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, the rest with genuine provenance.

Ola Dubh 30 is aged in casks formerly used to mature Highland Park 30 Year Old Whisky. It pours deep brown with a burgundy flush and a head the colour of milled oatmeal. On the nose it has gently-finessed top notes of fresh heather and honey, subtly toasted malts and vanilla with balancing hints of red fruits and a distant, beguiling smoke. The flavour has elegantly-subtle developing wine-like notes; from bitter chocolate and espresso beans into a sustained, oaked conclusion. Extended, oaky finish with pine resin, juniper, perfumed honey and traces of peat.

Rated 99 out of 100 on Ratebeer.com