Harviestoun Brewery – Ola Dubh 16

Note: This beer is 8% ABV in bottle, 10.5% in cask and keg.

Ola Dubh (pronounced ‘ola-doo’ and Gaelic for ‘black oil’) was conceived in 2007. It was the first ale to be matured in whisky barrels from a named distillery and, with traceable casks and numbered bottles, it is a beer with real provenance. To make Ola Dubh 16, we take our Old Engine Oil (amped up to 10.5%) and age it for up to 6 months in casks that previously held Highland Park 16 Year Old single malt. And it is ready only when our head brewer, Stuart, deems it ready!

Aged in oak casks formerly used to mature Highland Park 16 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, our thick, gloopy base beer takes on distinct whisky notes, perfectly complementing its roasty, toasty bitterness.

Like the others, Ola Dubh 16 pours out jet black, with a small mocha-coloured head. There’s plenty to enjoy on the nose which is a classy blend of whisky, sweet roasted malts, earthy woodland and vanilla. The flavour is rich; loaded with sweet-roasted dark malts and coffee. And just at the finish there’s nice, smoky peat hints with just a touch more bourbon than the 12.

HOPS: Galena, East Kent Goldings, Fuggles

MALTS: Roast barley, oats