Double Fermented & Willamette Dry-Hopped Gaelic Ale
Highland Brewing

On tap at Beer Run, Charlottesville, VA, and served on cask in a standard American pint glas.

Appearance: Pours a gorgeous copper amber, sort of the hue of a well-aged penny, with half a finger of creamy tanned head with average retention sitting atop the body. Great cask lacing, no carbonation of which to speak (as is typical of cask), and great stick from sheets and walls of lace round this one out.

Aroma: Spicy, with a few good vegetal and earthy hop notes. Faint underlying malts are largely neutral, perhaps slightly roasted.

Taste: Very spicy, leafy, and earthy, showcasing a really great dry hopping profile here. Indeed, it's almost cinnamonny in the way it comes across, which is complimented by a very biscuity, British underlying malt base, toffee heavy, the combination suggesting ginger snaps. Orange peel and mint intermingle with a mild bitterness, partially dry and toasted to finish this one up.

Mouthfeel: Still, with a body of moderate thickness, for a smooth, creamy feel, slightly oily from the dry hopping.

Drinkability: An easy drinking treat, and nice to see Highland getting up in to the central Virginia area. The Willamette addition does this one nicely, and the spiciness definitely stood out as a highlight for me. Hope they make this one again.