Dunkel McLeod
Highlander Beer

exceptional example of the style and one of the better beers ive had from these guys to date, really well refined, true to style, and very drinkable as these go, yum. clearer, darker than amber but well short of brown, more chestnut-like, some off white froth on top, nice. the nose is super classic, a touch sweet from the munich malt, bready in that regard as well, hearty but not heavy, and there is a difference that well made examples of this style often demonstrate clearly. light honey, german lager yeast somewhat subdued, good minerality, intentional water chemistry, late brown sugar, very light on the hops. the flavor follows, nice balance and lighter than it looks, more from the yeast as it warms, old worldy, mineral forward, lightly baked overall, hints of almond and good granola, great minerality too, smooth to drink, bubbly and with a pleasant aftertaste. it appears well lagered, there is a tidiness not often apparent in malt forward beers like this, so credit to them for that. i remember being pretty up and down on these guys over the years, some highs and some lows, this seems like a huge step forward on the quality side from what i have known before, hopefully a sign of things to come. really nice beer for any time of year and almost any palate that appreciates a decent pop! a far far cry from the substandard dark lager i had from them many years ago now...