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Harviestoun Ola Dubh (16 Year Old)

Percentile
98
overall
Brewed by Harviestoun
Style: Old Ale

Alva, Central, Scotland

bottled
common

on tap
available

Broad Distribution
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RatingsAverageScoreABVStyle PctlServe in
2783.82/5.03.8/5.08%96English pint, Snifter
Commercial Description:
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. Ola Dubh will initially be available in three different expressions; the initial release will be of small batches aged in casks formerly used to mature Highland Park 12 Year Old, Highland Park 16 Year Old and Highland Park 30 Year Old. Further variants are planned for the future. Ola Dubh is, in the words of beer afficionado Owen D.L. Barstow: “The most interesting new British beer I have tried in years.”
 Most Recent Top Raters Highest Ratings Who's Rated This?  
 blutt59 (2099), Dallas, Texas, USA
4.1 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
9/104/58/104/516/20
Dec 12, 2008  
bottle, couldnt read number, very black color with faint chocolate head, aroma of peat, oak and pecan wood and some spicy chocolate, flavor is wonderful mix of chocolate, roasted chestnuts, ground coffee, light whiskey and smokey finish


 mattmc1973 (304), Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA
3.7 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/104/57/103/515/20
Dec 6, 2008  
Here is my description of the Ola Dubh 12, I find this does not differ much... 12 oz bottle, pours black with a ruby tinge around the edges. Head is thin, frothy, and tan and dissipates fully, leaving no lacing. Wonderful aroma of smoke, wood, bitter chocolate, whiskey, and dark fruits. Aroma is better than taste, however. Taste of smokey wood, roasted malt, bitter dark chocolate. Thin and oily mouthfeel.


 astrofrk (218), Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
3.8 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
6/104/57/104/517/20
Nov 29, 2008  
Very Black. Big tan head. Aroma: Smokey chocolate malt. Flavor: Smokey chocolate malt, scotch. Sweet finish. Smooth!


 JoeMcPhee (5000), Jackson Heights, New York, USA
4.3 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/104/59/105/517/20
Nov 20, 2008  
Bottle shared with pilsnerpeter. Very dark brown/black beer with a thick, fine-laced tan head. Aroma is very oaky and cocoa-laden. Rich whiskyish/caramel nose, light sweetness and a bit of nice rich oakiness. The aroma is really lovely, soft and oaky. Very rich flavour of cocoa, caramel and a soft slightly smoky scotch flavour. The peaty/smoky character is really apparent retronasally. Despite all of the complexity, the beer is surprisingly drinkable. Chewy and light salty with a bit of soft briny roastiness. Not boozy at all, and just a generally delicious brew.


 Snojerk321 (1943), San Diego, California, USA
4 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/104/58/104/516/20
Nov 19, 2008  
Bottle @ Toronado. Dark brown with a smallish tan head. Aroma is deeper in sweetness and fruity notes than that of the 12yo. Still plenty of bourbon barrel. Flavor retains a nice smokey to sweet balance with more raisin and toffee. Nice malt balance.


 dogfish120love (258), west hartford, Connecticut, USA
3.8 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/104/57/103/516/20
Nov 18, 2008  
Appearance: Pours dark brown, appears black in glass. Head is a tannish brown Smell: Heavy notes of chocolate, malt, burnt sugar and alcohol. Flavor: Has a funky almost smoked flavor for a finnish, must be the barrel its aged in. Has a slightly woody/ scotch like after taste as well. Definitely different Palate: Smooth yet funky Not the biggest fan but not bad Serving type: bottle


 bierkoning (6025), La Tropica, Netherlands
3.9 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/104/58/104/515/20
Nov 18, 2008  
Bottle from Lithy, thanks! Almost black and opague. Dark chocolate and peat in the aroma. Full bodied. Malty and peaty flavor with dark chocolate. This peat and oak hide the body of this beer. Good complexity.


 emerica56 (579), Bristol, Rhode Island, USA
3.8 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/104/57/103/517/20
Oct 30, 2008  
Pours a dark black color with no head at all. the nose is very strong and has a lot of roasted malt with hints of coffee and chocolate. The flavor is nice and malty with a whiskey like finish and it is somewhat watery. Initially while the beer is still in your mouth it is refreshing and flavorful but after the finish fades rather quick. You can really taste the roasted coffee and chocolate which is pleasing to the palate. Overall it is a good beer and a nice brew to sit down and sip on.



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