Banks of Orkney Reserve
Colfax Ale Cellar
- From:
- Colfax Ale Cellar
- New Mexico, United States
- Style:
- Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy
- ABV:
- 7.9%
- Score:
- +8 ratings needed
- Avg:
- 4.07 | pDev: 5.9%
- Ratings:
- | reviews: 1
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Apr 26, 2026
- Added:
- Oct 26, 2024
- Wants:
- 0
- Gots:
- 0
NO SCORE
-
-
137 Days Aged in oak barrels.
Recent ratings and reviews.
Reviewed by colts9016 from Idaho
4.31/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.31/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Review: 2228
Name: Banks of Orkney Reserve
Brewery: Colfax Cellars
Location: Raton, NM
Style: Barrel Aged Scotch Ale
A.B.V.: 7.9%
Canned: 7/03/2020
Date: 21 May 2024
Curiosity piqued, I decided to Uncork the barrel-aged version for a taste of its unique character. Using a tulip glass and serving the beer at 44 degrees, I was greeted by an airy, frothy, light tan, two-fingered head with average head retention. The beer's slow dissipation left elaborate lacing on the glass. The color, charting at SRM 22, is a captivating dark brown with ruby hues, and the clarity, mostly clear with active yeast bubbles, adds to its allure. This beer truly captivates with its unique appearance for this style.
As I bring the glass to my nose, a symphony of aromas unfolds-caramel, wood, char, floral ester, toasted bread crust, and earthiness. A second whiff reveals more layers-lady fingers, malty sweetness, plums, butterscotch, oranges, and treacle. The massive, malty aroma is beautifully balanced with hops and yeast, creating a sensory experience that is truly delightful. I find no off flavors, only a harmonious blend of scents that I can't help but appreciate.
The flavors begin with wood, toffee, plums, char, lightly smoked, lady fingers, toasted bread crust, caramel, oranges, treacle, and floral. Sipping the glass again, I taste nuttiness, white pepper, butterscotch, malty sweetness, and earthiness.
The mouthfeel is creamy, finishing smooth and slightly warm. The body is medium-plus and has medium carbonation.
I enjoy the barrel version but prefer the original beer without the aging. This is still a good beer. I am enjoying it on a fantastic autumn night in Idaho.
Oct 26, 2024Name: Banks of Orkney Reserve
Brewery: Colfax Cellars
Location: Raton, NM
Style: Barrel Aged Scotch Ale
A.B.V.: 7.9%
Canned: 7/03/2020
Date: 21 May 2024
Curiosity piqued, I decided to Uncork the barrel-aged version for a taste of its unique character. Using a tulip glass and serving the beer at 44 degrees, I was greeted by an airy, frothy, light tan, two-fingered head with average head retention. The beer's slow dissipation left elaborate lacing on the glass. The color, charting at SRM 22, is a captivating dark brown with ruby hues, and the clarity, mostly clear with active yeast bubbles, adds to its allure. This beer truly captivates with its unique appearance for this style.
As I bring the glass to my nose, a symphony of aromas unfolds-caramel, wood, char, floral ester, toasted bread crust, and earthiness. A second whiff reveals more layers-lady fingers, malty sweetness, plums, butterscotch, oranges, and treacle. The massive, malty aroma is beautifully balanced with hops and yeast, creating a sensory experience that is truly delightful. I find no off flavors, only a harmonious blend of scents that I can't help but appreciate.
The flavors begin with wood, toffee, plums, char, lightly smoked, lady fingers, toasted bread crust, caramel, oranges, treacle, and floral. Sipping the glass again, I taste nuttiness, white pepper, butterscotch, malty sweetness, and earthiness.
The mouthfeel is creamy, finishing smooth and slightly warm. The body is medium-plus and has medium carbonation.
I enjoy the barrel version but prefer the original beer without the aging. This is still a good beer. I am enjoying it on a fantastic autumn night in Idaho.
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