Family Strong Beer Style Strong Ale
Country Scotland ABV 8.5%
Producer Orkney
Price $$$$ Packaging 11.2oz/330ml, 16.9oz/500ml bottle
Characteristics Malty, strong, yeasty

Overview This beer from the Orkney brewery is named, apparently, for an Earl of Orkney who lived just before the turn of the first millennium. It’s a Scotch “Wee Heavy,” the strongest designation for traditional Scottish ale.

Flavors and aromas The nose on this doesn’t lack for British character or complexity. We found prunes, cherries, rum, fruity esters, diacetyl, classic English malt, spices, and a fair whack of alcohol. Our tasters were less fond of the heavy, thick palate and alcoholic body, which pushed the many flavor elements apart and out of balance.