Harviestoun Ola Dubh (16 Year Old)

Bottle from State Line. The pour was dark brown to black, thin off-colored head, that really didn’t lace much. The aroma was definite whiskey, peaty smoked notes, chocolate, some faint dark fruits. The flavor was cocoa, but only after firm whiskey notes, seemingly more prominent than the 12 version, the same holds for the peaty elements, very prominent, which I don’t remember from the 12. Mouthfeel was fairly moderate and drinkable, stopping short of sticky, just a bit too whiskey-ish. I actually like the 12 better, go figure.

Black/brown pour with no head to speak of. Smells malty, charcoal, earthy, more alcohol than the 12. Tastes malty, little roast, maple, raisin some dark red fuits. Middle to finish is dominated by the oaky charcoal, which makes this version too smokey to me compared to the 12, which I liked better. Still not bad, but definetely not worth the price tag. After having the 12 I was worried about there being too much barrel prescence in the older ones and I feel I was correct. Other than to say you’ve tried it, save a few bucks and get the 12.

33 cl, number 10053, bottled Sept 07. Small head that lasts leaving a soapy film of frosting on the glass. Aroma is hickory wood, oak, whiskey, caramel, chocolate, soy sauce, coffee, raisin, peat, vanilla, beef jerky. Flavors are similar, and then some. More mint and smoke on the finish. Medium-heavy body is dry and smooth with light carbonation. Although this one is fantastic, I like the others in the series better; they seemed to be a little sweeter.

Bottle cracks open with just a hint of carbonation and out pours some very thick and oily beer with just a hint a a dark tan head. Peat, fresh wood, and whiskey dominate the aroma. Taste is smooth and malty, but overly thick and cloying. Has a dry edge to it, some chocolate also. Finishes a little thick, but overall a very nice sipping drink and a unique beverage.

Review bottle from brewery, number 01146, 33cl. Black, thick fine deep fawn head, dark malt, wood and black cherry fruit aroma with an obvious but light whisky note, not as pronounced as 12-year-old expression. Smooth viscous chocolate and wood palate with obvious whisky cask cut through by lightly vinous and sharpish notes, tangy slightly minty finsh with some alcoholic warmth, sherry, chocolate and raisin notes, late charred tones and a touch of hops in a very long finish, excellently balanced between malt and a fruity tang. Overall my favourite of the three 2007 Ola Dubh releases.

Bottle# 10884 (2007) Courtesy of the sloth. Pours black and gloopy. Nose is pungent and remeniscent of a wet cellar in some old mansion: Caramel malts, wet wood and a touch of whiskey spilled on the floor...and some blackberries? Body is rich, smooth and surprisingly only Medium +. Mouthfeel is on the short side. Head is revived easily by the cat merely headbutting the small table for attention. Lingering whiskey bite at finish where the normal hop finish is expected. Some droopy lacing. Wonder how this will taste with a few years of dust on the bottle.

What a difference 4 years makes. Poured like motor oil from the bottle with a faint head of tan foam. Similar aroma to the 12 year, but significantly more smooth and flavorful than it’s predecessor. Not a very ambitious brew by any means, but certainly something to appreciate.

Chris o’s GBBF Shindig 08. Rich & heady. Very smooth and malty with a nip of bitterness. Tastes like Old Engine Oil. Aroma has some awareness of whiskey, but essentially this reminds me of Old Engine Oil.