Traquair House Ale
What the brewers say
“The original ale first brewed in 1965 and now sold all over the world. Perhaps the most distinctive Scottish ale on the market, and with its rich dark oakiness, this is a serious winter ale.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Wonderful play between malt sweetness and fruity esters. Slight candied grape, strawberry, cherry, apple, plum, pear, and blueberry notes. Intense caramel malt, bread crust, toast, and biscuit.”
Flavor: “Complex caramel and toast blend throughout with some dark stone-fruit esters lingering beneath, cherry and plum. Finish is pretty dry in part due to the higher carb, but there’s also some lingering bitterness to help balance out the malt sweetness. Where the aroma was a touch too estery, the flavor is in perfect balance with the malt complementing the fruity notes and the fruity notes enhancing the malt.”
Overall: “Like eating a hearty piece of bread with a nice thick smear of preserves. There’s a sort of rustic character to it I enjoy. An excellent and authentic beer that deserves it’s own crest and Tartan design.”
