Barrel-Aged Skara Brae - Revolution Brewing Company - Brewpub

MasterSki

Illinois

4.3/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 3 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On-tap at Revolution. Served in a 5oz Mug Club taster. A Scottish Ale aged in Heaven Hill rye barrels.

A - A quick-dissolving tan foam settles to...nothing. Lightly hazed dark ruby-brown body.

S - Smell is terrific, with intense rye whiskey, vanilla, coconut, oak, chocolate, toffee, and dark caramel. Intense spirit flavor but with minimal booziness, even when warm.

T - The taste is a little wimpy compared to the aroma. It's still quite enjoyable, but lacks the same punch and intensity. It also tones down the delicious rye whiskey notes and mainly features the caramel, toffee, and chocolate malt flavors instead.

M - Smooth, medium body, lower carbonation, and no discernible alcohol. Pretty much what I want from this style of beer.

D - I crushed the taster and had another. I hope this one is still on-tap next time I'm at Revolution, as it was surprisingly excellent. I'm not a huge fan of this style, but was won over by the great barrel and chocolate flavors as well as the masterfully hidden booze.

Serving type: on-tap

10-14-2011 15:54:47 | More by MasterSki

Sean9689

Illinois

3.95/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On-tap at Rev Kedzie Grand Opening Party.

A - Pours a copper/amber color, white head, thin collar.

S - Heaven Hill Rye booze notes, oak barrel, malty sweetness, light dark fruit, light toasted bread.

T - Similar to the nose, perhaps a bit less booze. Heaven Hill barrel, booze, oak, malts, dark fruits, caramel, toasted bread. Alcohol is fairly noticeable, but doesn't detract from the overall experience. Finish is booze a caramel.

M - Medium to full body, good carbonation, creamy finish.

O - A little too much booze on the nose but the taste was pretty darn good. I would have again if offered up and actually had another pour at the party. Very nice.

Serving type: on-tap

06-25-2012 17:43:17 | More by Sean9689

KDawg

Illinois

4.3/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

had this on tap at Revolution. This was poured into a small brandy snifter

dark brown color with a small foamy head that doesn't last all too long. Very port-like aromas of dark chocolate, bourbon, hot caramel, raisins and black cherries. Very complex and rich

full bodied and rich with a good feel. The flavors are deep and distinct. Not as port-like on the feel than the nose, but still very much retaining that quality.

This was a damn good beer. One of the best I've had from Revolution. That said, it's hard to drink a whole lot of it for me because of the richness of it. That isn't a knock, just more knowing that there was a bit of a limit for me. Still, this was great and I'm more than glad I got to have some

Serving type: on-tap

10-15-2011 22:11:11 | More by KDawg