Scotch Ale Barrel-aged
BRLO

Let me get my two negatives out of the way so I can wax super-enthusiastic about this Scotch.

First, it is not an RIS. UnTappd styles it as a Scotch. I'd do the same. But drmeto, who added this, is my fellow Poo-Bah and I respect his judgment. BA exists so we can learn from one another, not correct one another.

Second, this Scotch has too much Scotch. (In fact, there is more peat in this than there is in any distilled scotch I can remember drinking; and that was my beverage before I found ale.) This excess distracts from an otherwise good ale.

Aside from the peat, this is a decent Scotch Ale in its Looks, Smells, Tastes and Feel. If the peat were tamed, I think I could rate it higher.

What I need to explain is the crazy high Overall rating I give to BRLO who is a mere decade old, but is hugely successful and actively making the cutting edge of Berlin brewing. BRLO has an excellent gastropub in Alexanderplatz, the heart of the former East Berlin. In putting it there, it is an important symbol of the culture, certainly more than the brewing culture, of this city again becoming a light in a dim world. But before I get crazy explaining that, let me do some more research and sample their gastropub. I'm getting back to you.

L:
-pours the darkest of brown with no light coming through and a small,frothy,beige head
S:
-heavy peat smoke,wood,black pepper,malty,black licquorice,burned plastic
T:
-peat smoke,oaky,acidic,berries,lactose,Cola,light roast on the back end
-Finishes dry
-low-to-medium bitterniss
F:
-medium carbonation
-medium body
-alcohol noticeable
O:
Has little to do with an actual Scotch Ale.This is a pretty clear cut Imperial Stout aged in Whisky Barrels from a German Distillery.The aging Period seemed to be pretty short as typical Vanilla/Coconut Aromas are missing.
It's a decent Beer, as long as you're used to peated Whisky.