Harviestoun Brewery, Ola Dubh 18 Year Special Reserve

Ola Dubh (pronounced ‘ola-doo’ and Gaelic for ‘black oil’) was conceived in 2007.  It was the first ale to be matured in whisky barrels from a named distillery and, with traceable casks and numbered bottles, it is a beer with real provenance.

To make Ola Dubh 18, Old Engine Oil (amped up to 10.5%) is aged for up to 6 months in casks that previously held Highland Park 18 Year Old single malt (‘Best Spirit in the World’), which imparts a fruity, whisky character into the rich, dark beer.  It is ready only when the head brewer deems it ready.

The initial whisky hit on the nose gives way to more delicate aromas of chocolate, fruity coffee grounds and hints of woodland berries. The flavor is a very appetizing blend of sweet malts, vanilla, oak and tobacco. It has undertones of raisins and other dark, dried fruits; a delicious testament to Highland Park’s bias toward sherry casks.