Traquair Jacobite - Traquair House Brewery Lld

Zimbo

United Kingdom (Scotland)

4.5/5  rDev +8.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I remember when this was released 15 years ago to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Jacobite Rebellion. The impression given then was that this was a limited time release I stocked up at the time and enjoyed numerous bottles over the years. Fortunately, this became part of Traquair's line-up which means I can pick it up whenever I wish.
I must say I have been impressed by the thoroughness of the BA reviews here. I'll do my best to add more.
Jacobite Ale is pretty dark brown and certainly more opaque than the House Ale. And that nose is gorgeous. It delivers a rich fluffy one inch thickish rocky head. On the palate this is very soft yet still firm, fullish and with an ever so slightly sweet chocolately element. There is also an almost orange and brown sugar like quality to the sweetness without being at all cloying. Amazing how the coriander adds so much to this yet seems so difficult to detect in its own flavour. And as many have already stated, that alcohol truly is well hidden.
Hop heads may have trouble with this beer but there is so much going on here that you can't help to admire such a skilful high wire balancing act as this. Yes,I have enjoyed many of these over the years and I continue to be truly blown away at the consistent quality of Jacobite Ale. Never a duff bottle with absolutely no bottle or batch variation. Prime example of how the brewer's art in the right hands can be more that a match for modern high tech brewing.
I'm dinted.

Serving type: bottle

10-22-2010 21:34:07 | More by Zimbo

HamGlade10

Oklahoma

4/5  rDev -3.6%

05-18-2013 18:40:55 | More by HamGlade10

TallSaint

United Kingdom (Scotland)

3.9/5  rDev -6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

May 14th, 2013

Pours a dark, nearly opaque, ruby brown with a finger of off-white head.

Molasses and stewed dark fruits are strong in the nose. Vegetables and perfumed spice and coriander are also present in the nose. A bit too green for me.

On the palate upfront stewed dark fruits, caramel, molasses and a touch of peat lead into a spiced, green mid-palate and a sweet, dense, and silky back with a touch of alcohol heat. The spices certainly add something here with a spicy mid-palate that breaks up the fruity but dark malt body with spice and a bit of fresh coriander leading to an earthy malt finish.

Medium bodied with a pretty heavy carbonation, at least too much for my liking. It's surprisingly light upfront but it quickly weighs down on the palate, leading to its dense, silky finish.

An interesting brew, spices may be a bit too much for me, I don't really like the green/vegetal-ness that they seem to impart but it is still a solid brew! I need to try the house ale again now to compare.

Serving type: bottle

05-14-2013 21:24:01 | More by TallSaint

canawler

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +8.4%

05-14-2013 01:54:08 | More by canawler

Bill235

Ohio

4/5  rDev -3.6%

05-09-2013 17:28:14 | More by Bill235

CowboyRob

Alabama

4.5/5  rDev +8.4%

05-09-2013 15:22:31 | More by CowboyRob

TMoney2591

Illinois

3.61/5  rDev -13%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

Served in a Lagunitas mason jar.

Tonight we're flashin' back to Bonnie Prince Charlie...in liquid form! This stuff pours a very dark garnet topped by a finger of light tan foam. The nose comprises toasted caramel, orange juice, perfume-y and earthy greens, light lime rind, mild pine needles, light wax, and light toasted coconut. The taste brings in more of the same, but without the orange juice (which instead comes through as a mild bit of orange peel) and with a very light tinge of coffee-ish-ness. The body is a light medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a sorta/kinda watery feel. Overall, a generally solid bit of Scotch ale, one whose admittedly odd complexity both sets it apart from others in the style and also keeps it from achieving greatness therewithin. Still, not a bad bit of brew.

Serving type: bottle

05-04-2013 05:55:03 | More by TMoney2591

Hellpop65

Kansas

3.5/5  rDev -15.7%

04-28-2013 20:13:00 | More by Hellpop65

bluntedboywonder

New York

4.5/5  rDev +8.4%

04-25-2013 02:13:35 | More by bluntedboywonder

SLeffler27

New York

4.36/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a Gordon Thistle, the color is brown with ruby highlights (SRM 20). A thin, creamy taupe head is short lived, leaving slight lacing.

Rich malt and molasses are up front and closely followed by prunes, then notes of white wine. There is spiciness with some tar and peat adding complexity. New layers develop as it warms.

The flavor profile is similar to the nose, though builds more on earthiness with spices taking the lead. Roasted malt is somewhat sweet without being cloying. Pecans and perhaps cashews are accompanied by prunes and figs with warmth. A subtle, lingering, sweet finish. Warmth gradually adds more character through to the bottom of the glass.

There is no sense of alcohol in this full-bodied, silky smooth beer with fine effervescence, and mouthwatering lusciousness.

This is an easy beer with plenty of character and nuances; just exquisite. On its own or with conversation, Jacobite is at its best. However, it could easily pair with a dry-aged steak.

This bottle aged four years in the cellar.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2013 21:16:44 | More by SLeffler27

BeerNotes

Ohio

5/5  rDev +20.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A: A nice amber brown, with just a hint of red.

S: Dark fruits — raisins, prunes, figs — molasses, candy, tobacco, coriander.

T: Subtle sweetness. The raisin comes through. Bits of apple. Caramel. Licorice. Warmth.

M: Mild to medium carbonation. Just right for the style.

O: This beer is perfectly balanced. It’s infinitely drinkable, which is remarkable given the alcohol content. And every sip leaves you wanting more. There’s such an incredible depth to this beer; so much going on, but not overpowering or overwhelming.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2013 18:02:45 | More by BeerNotes

shelby415

Oregon

4/5  rDev -3.6%

04-21-2013 05:29:04 | More by shelby415

Braz

Washington

4.05/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Purchased at 99 Bottles.
Appearance: Very dark muddled brown with a slight tan head that is very minimal. Leaves light bubbles around edge of glass.
Smell: Boozy oak barrel. Toffee and brandy notes.
Taste: Excellent. Rich but not too rich. Brandy and just a hint of red wine or even a bit of scotch. Light coriander. Little to no bitterness, not all that sweet though either.
Mouthfeel: Medium. Has a nice feel, not too heavy to the point that it covers your whole mouth.
Overall: Very good. Very drinkable. Nice subtle warming effect. Has an appreciable earthy quality to it.

Serving type: bottle

04-17-2013 14:16:40 | More by Braz

yancot

Ontario (Canada)

4/5  rDev -3.6%

04-16-2013 05:42:17 | More by yancot

Beer21

Florida

4.25/5  rDev +2.4%

04-11-2013 17:47:06 | More by Beer21

Giggy

Michigan

4.5/5  rDev +8.4%

04-05-2013 22:30:06 | More by Giggy

aslamm75

Indiana

3/5  rDev -27.7%

04-02-2013 22:58:12 | More by aslamm75

enelson

Illinois

4.25/5  rDev +2.4%

03-27-2013 23:56:22 | More by enelson

Bendurgin

Maine

3.56/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Poured into a tulip. This one pours a muddy dark brown. No real head on this one.

The aroma has notes of licorice with some peaty malts. The pallet mirrors the aroma with some hints of woody and licorice. Slightly sweet on the finish.

The body is medium with soft carbonation. Overal interesting enough brew. Worth trying.

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2013 04:12:12 | More by Bendurgin

Fatehunter

Oregon

3.69/5  rDev -11.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A thin head on a dark brown body.
The aroma is woody, deep and with black licorice.
The taste is oak, alcohol, lemon, moderate to strong malt sweetness and more wood.
The texture is crisp with a lighter body and moderate carbonation.
This is an interesting ale, worth trying.

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2013 01:03:20 | More by Fatehunter

SadMachine

New Jersey

4/5  rDev -3.6%

03-22-2013 04:41:46 | More by SadMachine

GRG1313

California

4/5  rDev -3.6%

03-17-2013 23:01:09 | More by GRG1313

chippo33

Vermont

2.75/5  rDev -33.7%

03-13-2013 23:47:18 | More by chippo33

Segelstrom

Pennsylvania

3.25/5  rDev -21.7%

03-11-2013 15:33:06 | More by Segelstrom

dsegel

Pennsylvania

3/5  rDev -27.7%

03-11-2013 13:43:21 | More by dsegel