Gravedigger Billy
Revolution Brewing
Beer Geek Stats
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- Style:
- Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy
Ranked #5 - ABV:
- 14.2%
- Score:
- 94
Ranked #1,220 - Avg:
- 4.29 | pDev: 7.93%
- Reviews:
- 48
- Ratings:
- From:
- Revolution Brewing
- Illinois, United States
- Avail:
- Rotating/Seasonal
- Wants
- 58
- Gots
- 69
SCORE
94
Outstanding
94
Outstanding
Notes:
An old favorite from the early days of Revolution makes a return. This Bourbon Barrel-aged Scotch Ale, decked out in a fine tartan kilt, has a delicate smokiness alongside American oak and bourbon character. Pour a wee dram and let the brogue fly. Don’t be daft, enjoy now or store cold.
Reviews: 48
| Ratings: 299
| Log in to view all ratings and sort
Reviews by Dragginballs76:
Dragginballs76 from South Carolina
4.43/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Appearance - Pours deep mahogany with a dense tan head that settles to a thick cap, great retention. Random spots of lacing.
Aroma - Barrel, peat, caramel, slightly sweet and smoky, nice char, malt.
Taste - Great caramel, smoke and char, barrel, bourbon, peat, slight dark fruit really complex and super smooth well balanced flavors. Light brown sugar.
Feel - Medium bodied smooth velvet feel, slight arming from the alcohol but super smooth and easy drinking for the ABV.
Overall - Really well done scotch ale, great flavors smooth complex.
May 30, 2019
4.43/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Appearance - Pours deep mahogany with a dense tan head that settles to a thick cap, great retention. Random spots of lacing.
Aroma - Barrel, peat, caramel, slightly sweet and smoky, nice char, malt.
Taste - Great caramel, smoke and char, barrel, bourbon, peat, slight dark fruit really complex and super smooth well balanced flavors. Light brown sugar.
Feel - Medium bodied smooth velvet feel, slight arming from the alcohol but super smooth and easy drinking for the ABV.
Overall - Really well done scotch ale, great flavors smooth complex.
May 30, 2019
More User Reviews:
Bosoxfan20 from Missouri
4.27/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
I'll be frank, this is probably the best scotch ale I've had. Stays true to the malty stile, yet influenced wonderfully by some outstanding barrel character. Bourbon forward but balanced. Vanilla, oak, hint of smoke, peat, and loads of charred caramel, molasses, and brown sugar. Texture is creamy for the style, which I prefer, smooth, and lower carbonation than the pour lead me to believe.
Overall, just simply outstanding. Goes down so easy. Just another example of why I think Revolution has one of the best barrel aging programs in the country.
Jul 23, 2015
4.27/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
I'll be frank, this is probably the best scotch ale I've had. Stays true to the malty stile, yet influenced wonderfully by some outstanding barrel character. Bourbon forward but balanced. Vanilla, oak, hint of smoke, peat, and loads of charred caramel, molasses, and brown sugar. Texture is creamy for the style, which I prefer, smooth, and lower carbonation than the pour lead me to believe.
Overall, just simply outstanding. Goes down so easy. Just another example of why I think Revolution has one of the best barrel aging programs in the country.
Jul 23, 2015
Beer-Revelry from Texas
4.7/5 rDev +9.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Poured into a Duvel snifter glass.
A - 4.50 - Poured an incredibly dark ruby and mahogany brown, almost black in color but with tinges of red. Formed a finger of light tan, quickly dissipating head. No lacing.
S - 4.50 - Wow, so much scotch whiskey. Lots of whiskey, little bit of dark chocolate and malts.
T - 4.75 - Sweet malts, chocolate, bourbon, brown sugar, toffee, caramel, molasses and pecan pie. Only reason the taste isnt a perfect 5 is because there is a lack of peat smoke.
F - 4.50 - Nice medium bodied beer. Could have a slightly thicker mouthfeel, but quite good regardless.
O - 5 - I REALLY enjoyed this beer. I can't believe how much bourbon they were able to impart into this beer. It's one of the most delicious brews I've ever had, hands down.
Feb 19, 2015
4.7/5 rDev +9.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Poured into a Duvel snifter glass.
A - 4.50 - Poured an incredibly dark ruby and mahogany brown, almost black in color but with tinges of red. Formed a finger of light tan, quickly dissipating head. No lacing.
S - 4.50 - Wow, so much scotch whiskey. Lots of whiskey, little bit of dark chocolate and malts.
T - 4.75 - Sweet malts, chocolate, bourbon, brown sugar, toffee, caramel, molasses and pecan pie. Only reason the taste isnt a perfect 5 is because there is a lack of peat smoke.
F - 4.50 - Nice medium bodied beer. Could have a slightly thicker mouthfeel, but quite good regardless.
O - 5 - I REALLY enjoyed this beer. I can't believe how much bourbon they were able to impart into this beer. It's one of the most delicious brews I've ever had, hands down.
Feb 19, 2015
MasterSki from Canada (ON)
4.35/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
5oz sample glass at Revolution.
A - Served filled to the brim, with a thin tan foam cap, thicker collar, and surprisingly decent retention. Lightly haze caramel-brown body with some lighter orange-red highlights.
S - Plenty of delicious bourbon, barrel, caramel, toffee, brown sugar, butterscotch, vanilla, and a hint of chocolate. It's got that characteristic Woodfoord Reserve character, complete with a bit of alcohol bite and dry oak.
T - I actually like the taste a bit better, as there's more delicious caramel and other sweet flavors and less in the way of harsh barrel presence. No alcohol at all, and tons of potent flavor, but manages to avoid being cloying.
M - Smooth, creamy, full body, with light oak and barrel tannins in the finish. Alcohol is really well-hidden - I never would have surmised this was in double figures.
D - This is another barrel-aged winner from Revolution. I don't normally like BA Scotch Ales, but this was delicious and I actually regret not ordering a full serving. Hopefully this is still on-tap next time I swing by the brewpub.
Feb 28, 2012
4.35/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
5oz sample glass at Revolution.
A - Served filled to the brim, with a thin tan foam cap, thicker collar, and surprisingly decent retention. Lightly haze caramel-brown body with some lighter orange-red highlights.
S - Plenty of delicious bourbon, barrel, caramel, toffee, brown sugar, butterscotch, vanilla, and a hint of chocolate. It's got that characteristic Woodfoord Reserve character, complete with a bit of alcohol bite and dry oak.
T - I actually like the taste a bit better, as there's more delicious caramel and other sweet flavors and less in the way of harsh barrel presence. No alcohol at all, and tons of potent flavor, but manages to avoid being cloying.
M - Smooth, creamy, full body, with light oak and barrel tannins in the finish. Alcohol is really well-hidden - I never would have surmised this was in double figures.
D - This is another barrel-aged winner from Revolution. I don't normally like BA Scotch Ales, but this was delicious and I actually regret not ordering a full serving. Hopefully this is still on-tap next time I swing by the brewpub.
Feb 28, 2012
GallowsThief from Florida
4.57/5 rDev +6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Out of a bottle into my tulip, trade from my man Kevinpitts. Thanks my friend.
A - Caramel brown on the pour with a half finger of off white head that receded pretty quickly.
S – Vanilla, bourbon, caramel. Nice.
T – This could pass for bourbon all on its own. Oak, caramel, vanilla and dark fruit all mixed in. Nice balance of flavors. Definitely boozy. Sweet finish with a bit of toffee and molasses. Mellow all the way.
M – Medium body, medium carbonation, slight dry and sweet finish.
O – Bourbon bomb that is well balanced and extremely tasty. The folks at Revolution are quickly turning into my favorite brewery.
Dec 23, 2014
4.57/5 rDev +6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Out of a bottle into my tulip, trade from my man Kevinpitts. Thanks my friend.
A - Caramel brown on the pour with a half finger of off white head that receded pretty quickly.
S – Vanilla, bourbon, caramel. Nice.
T – This could pass for bourbon all on its own. Oak, caramel, vanilla and dark fruit all mixed in. Nice balance of flavors. Definitely boozy. Sweet finish with a bit of toffee and molasses. Mellow all the way.
M – Medium body, medium carbonation, slight dry and sweet finish.
O – Bourbon bomb that is well balanced and extremely tasty. The folks at Revolution are quickly turning into my favorite brewery.
Dec 23, 2014
jkrug5 from Maryland
4.5/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Mar 11, 2019
4.5/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Mar 11, 2019
firstlighthiker from Tennessee
4.5/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Feb 14, 2015
4.5/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Feb 14, 2015
Nunya from Ohio
3.83/5 rDev -10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Dec 08, 2016
3.83/5 rDev -10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Dec 08, 2016
jroberts8811 from Missouri
4.08/5 rDev -4.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Feb 28, 2016
4.08/5 rDev -4.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Feb 28, 2016
Eziel from Ohio
4.35/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Jun 12, 2015
4.35/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Jun 12, 2015
BrewmanCapote from Illinois
4.65/5 rDev +8.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Sep 25, 2015
4.65/5 rDev +8.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Sep 25, 2015
LukeK from Indiana
4.26/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Dec 18, 2015
4.26/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Dec 18, 2015
shredder83 from Illinois
4.34/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Mar 03, 2015
4.34/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Mar 03, 2015
GreesyFizeek from New York
4.46/5 rDev +4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Bottle received by a super generous trading partner, and shared tonight with some dudes.
Pours a dark golden brown, with a half inch head, and a little bit of lacing.
Smells just like I'd expect the perfect BA Scotch Ale to smell- bit hit of bourbon-soaked barrel, booze, caramel, toffee, vanilla, and butterscotch.
This is really, really tasty, might be the 2nd best barrel-aged scotch ale I've had, behind Wulver. It's got a ton of bourbon flavor, the Woodford flavors are really strong and really forward here. I've never tried Woodford on its own, but it seems to be a very bold bourbon, spicy and sweet all at the same time. The barrels themselves lend a nice vanilla and coconut flavor, with some caramel, smoke, and toffee from the base beer. This is delicious.
This has got a sweet and sticky mouthfeel, with a lower level of carbonation. There's a really nice level of drinkability here.
Revolution crafted a really good BA Scotch Ale here.
Nov 27, 2014
4.46/5 rDev +4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Bottle received by a super generous trading partner, and shared tonight with some dudes.
Pours a dark golden brown, with a half inch head, and a little bit of lacing.
Smells just like I'd expect the perfect BA Scotch Ale to smell- bit hit of bourbon-soaked barrel, booze, caramel, toffee, vanilla, and butterscotch.
This is really, really tasty, might be the 2nd best barrel-aged scotch ale I've had, behind Wulver. It's got a ton of bourbon flavor, the Woodford flavors are really strong and really forward here. I've never tried Woodford on its own, but it seems to be a very bold bourbon, spicy and sweet all at the same time. The barrels themselves lend a nice vanilla and coconut flavor, with some caramel, smoke, and toffee from the base beer. This is delicious.
This has got a sweet and sticky mouthfeel, with a lower level of carbonation. There's a really nice level of drinkability here.
Revolution crafted a really good BA Scotch Ale here.
Nov 27, 2014
kodt from Illinois
4.45/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Dec 16, 2015
4.45/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Dec 16, 2015
Lovethemhopps from Illinois
4.53/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This is an extremely boozy strong ale. It was delicious. It really sets the tone for the evening.
Dec 23, 2014
4.53/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This is an extremely boozy strong ale. It was delicious. It really sets the tone for the evening.
Dec 23, 2014
Bunuelian from Minnesota
4.17/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Sep 06, 2015
4.17/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Sep 06, 2015
Gravedigger Billy from Revolution Brewing
Beer rating:
94 out of
100 with
299 ratings
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