Highland Charge Bourbon Barrel Aged Wee Heavy Scottish Ale
Heathen Brewing
Story by:
Bev Blackwood
Specialty Wood-Aged Beer
Seasonal
Washington
United States
Judges Ratings 95
Aroma: 24 / 24
Flavor: 39 / 40
Appearance: 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 8 / 10
Overall Impression: 18 / 20
Description
Named after the Scottish shock battle tactic when the Scots would drop their kilts and full charge into battle, weapons hot, with nothing but a shirt on. In that same fashion, this Wee Heavy Scottish ale packs a big malty assault that exposes light caramel and toffee notes that volley to a subtle hint of black cherry that will blow your kilt off. This version expresses notes of vanilla, oak, and wood after spending up to a year in freshly emptied bourbon barrels.
Beverage Profile
ABV: 11%
IBUs: 26
Served at: (50º-55º)
Hops: Willamette
Malts: 2-Row, Red Wheat, Munich, Dark Crystal, Black Malt, Chocolate Malt
Judges Review
By Richard Wong
Judges Ratings 95
Aroma: 24 / 24 / 24
Flavor: 39 / 40 / 40
Appearance: 6 / 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 8 / 10 / 10
Overall Impression: 18 / 20 / 20
Highland Charge Bourbon Barrel Aged Wee Heavy Scottish Ale by Heathen Brewing is being judged as a #17C of the Wee Heavy BJCP category, though it has spent time in a bourbon barrel.
The pour of this beer revealed a dark brown hue with light carbonation. The bubbles were small and tight. The aroma revealed a plethora of wonderful scents, such as bourbon, oak, chocolate, dried fruit (raisins and plums) along with a nice malt sweetness. I didn’t get any hops, but that is okay for this style.
The first sip had the same wonderful flavors that were found in the aroma. The malt and the hops balanced very nicely with this beer. I had malt sweetness along with a moderate hop bittering. The flavors that I tasted had roasted malts (chocolate), dried fruit (raisins and plums), the bourbon (imparted by the oak barrel) and oak. Yes, I could actually taste bourbon in this beer! The choice of aging this in bourbon barrel had a major impact on this beer. It made it more complex and more well-rounded in aroma, flavors and overall taste.
The mouthfeel and body of this beer was medium, but the carbonation level was a bit more moderate. The beer finished very smooth, complex with a touch of sweetness in the finish along with the alcohol warmth (11%).
Wonderfully made and thoroughly enjoyed !
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