Back in 1983 when Harviestoun first started making innovative beer, the whole craft beer thing was just a glint in Harvie’s eye. Now, more than thirty years later they are proud to be the forefathers of this movement to better beer.
Harviestoun is a proud, family run business championing a dedication to the craft that produces award winning, natural brews whilst using the finest ingredients and purest Scottish water from the heart of the untamed Scottish Highlands. Focussing on the quality of their beer has led to them becoming one of the most awarded breweries in the UK.
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, the rest with genuine provenance.
Stujago –
A top drawer beer. Exceptionally smooth for it’s ABV. Burnt, smokey, liquorice, malty flavours. Should appeal to fans of imperial stouts, imprrial porters and doppelbocks.
David Winter –
More Scotch influence comes through than might be expected – I cannot imagine anyone drinking this and not recognising the whisky flavour, to the point where it reminds me of those old-school tipples where you throw a little ‘Grouse in to warm things up. The spirity, peaty notes provide a surprisingly Porter-like profile, with smokey, malty, raisin sweetness contrasted by bitter oaky and vanilla flavours, with a very robust mouthfeel and rich finish.