This should be the sweet spot. I've gone on too long about the difference between a Scottish ale and a scotch ale. With this beer, I think we will be combining the best of both. This is a Scottish ale, but they aged in whiskey barrels. As a result, it's going to get the bite from the hard liquor while it maintains the smoothness of the delicious Scottish ale. At least, that's the idea. We will have to see how it works out in practice.
First sip is quite a mouthful. This is no shrinking violet. Wood is very much upfront with the alcohol trailing behind and the spices and dark fruits hiding themselves away. The dryness of the wood finish combined with the rather stentorian flavors is a little uninviting for the uninitiated. I'm going to say this isn't going to be a particularly good sipping beer. That is not to say it's not going to be a good beer, but it will take a full swig to determine that.
Tip-in is semi-sweet malt on wood, alcohol, and dark fruits. The middle is smooth with charred caramel adding its voice to the mix as the flavors interplay nicely through the center. The finish is a bit of a mess with dryness bringing the wood forward before the alcohol smashes down and asks why there is this party going on.
Bottom Line: Not quite as put together as I'd hoped, but still not bad.
2.25/5
