Traquair Jacobite - Traquair House Brewery Lld

importguy

British Columbia (Canada)

4.33/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A nice dark ale. I tried this Ale for the first time last night. It poured slowly. A very nice strong ale with a molasses flavour. I tought it would have a more spicy flavour, but was still not disappointed.

For a beer with an 8% alc it was still very smooth and very enjoyable. I am fan of that Ale from Ireland, but I think I am now a convert.

Definately will be stocked in my home if and when I can get it.

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2003 12:06:24 | More by importguy

canucklehead

British Columbia (Canada)

4.22/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Wow, this beer was found in a small corner store near Lahaina
in Maui. The nose and dark deep colour suggested a Xmas ale,
lots of fruit esters and baking smells. The first taste was big and
complex with a great balance which affirms the reputation of this
this Scottish brewery. I don't know how old this beer was but
time in the cellar would probably improve an already great beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2003 09:45:21 | More by canucklehead

goz

Massachusetts

4.2/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a deep ruby/garnet color, with a thick, slowly diminishing tab head. Aroma is HUGE, full of spices, fruits (especially apple), and vinous qualities. Flavor is strong on the spices and apple, with other fruits playing around in the background, and hints of alcohol. As it gets warmer (was initially served about 60°F), the alcohol becomes a bit more prevelent on the tongue, and warms the gullet nicely.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2003 16:26:29 | More by goz

beerluvr

New Jersey

4.22/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This poured with a tan head over dark ruby liquid. Roasty and spicy nose...quite spicy and appetizing! Taste is dry with notes of nuts, coffee, chocolate and spices. Nicely balanced 'twixt sweet and dry. Finishes malty and beefy, an unusual tasting ale that I'd love to have more of, recommended!

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2003 10:32:10 | More by beerluvr

Bighuge

Minnesota

4.4/5  rDev +6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Deep, dark burgandy in color. Nice looking light brown head that has decent retention. Belgian lace is clingy and soapy. Rum, wood, corriander and maple syrup on the nose. Rum and alcohol hints hit the palate first. Then some sweet maple like tones take over and deep oaky malt tones come into play. Brown sugar residue is left on the tongue after sipping. Pretty complex. Very nice sipping brew. A slight lingering bitterness adds to the experience. I wouldn't drink this one much given the price, but it's an excellent beer that I'm glad I tried.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2002 21:01:16 | More by Bighuge

MJR

Missouri

4.43/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Pours a crystal clear, very dark garnet with a creamy, tan head that shrinks down to a simple ring.

Smell: I pick up on caramel, toffee, sweet fruit, and lots of coriander. I wasn't expecting a spiced ale...but the aroma is very nice.

Taste: Starts with spicy fruit intermingled with the coriander, then moves to a caramel and mollasses character with a bit of alcohol. A touch of toffee is in there too. I'm picking up on a faint smoke/burnt flavor on the tail end. Very little to no hop flavor or aroma. Very complex and delicious.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with a juicy, slighty oily mouthfeel.

Drinkability: Pretty good. This would make a great nightcap after a complex and filling meal.

Thank you for the bottle Dave!

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2002 20:39:08 | More by MJR

Gusler

Arizona

4.2/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

The pour a murky plum color, the head is walloping in size with a creamy consistency, the lace a sticky lattice that is light tan. Nose is nutty sweet, almost a maple syrup, with toasted grains, caramel, and quite a treat for this old schnozzle. Start is ambrosial, the top flimsy, the finish is pleasantly acidic, middling on the hops, dry and long lasting aftertaste. The beer is well worth the effort to find and sample.

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2002 15:59:55 | More by Gusler

mjohn27603

Michigan

4.93/5  rDev +18.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

The web tells me that a Jacobite is a Scottish person who still believes the King serves by divine rite and not from power from the Parliament. This beer is something just as unique and unusual. The brew pours with a minimal 1/4 " head and dark brown in color. It smells great and leaves you scratching your head a bit trying to reconcile the appearance and smell. The coriander comes through in the taste although there is an oakiness too. A hint of sherry and licorice. A bit of bitterness. I don't expect a coriander taste with these combinations. As Putnam mentions, according to the bottle these are good for another 6-7 years. I think it would be worth cellaring a few of these and seeing what happens. Would they get even more complex? Hard to imagine.

Serving type: bottle

10-29-2002 19:13:36 | More by mjohn27603

TheLongBeachBum

California

4.58/5  rDev +10.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Just the bottle alone tells you that this is a very serious beer, with a heritage positively steeped, soaked and dripping in Scottish history. Produced on an original 18th Century Brewhouse, that had remained unused for 100 years until 1965. The brewhouse is located in a part of the 1,000 year-old Traquair House, which is Scotland’s oldest inhabited home, and included such famous visitors as Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Jacobite Ale is of the highest quality. Very black in colour but with daylight as a backdrop, it has a stunning deep ruby red-brown color. The brown fluffy head did not last long and dispersed to a ring quickly. A huge powerful alcohol punch in the nose tells the imbiber to gently sip this offering. Aromas of dark fruits, berries, herbs & spices, coriander in particular, sherry and some Christmas Cake. Starts with an alcoholic introduction that is the MC for the imbibing experience. Dark - but not very roasted - malts are in the middle, a light chocolate taste together with some sherry sweetness, which leads to a lovely warming bitter finish. All Traquair House beers are oak-fermented, and this gives an earthy - oaky woody character, most prevalent in the aftertaste. A Strong Dark Scottish Ale. Powerful, but not overpowering.

A “wee sleekit cowerin’ tim’rous beastie” ??
- Hmmm… I think Not!!!

$6 for the Bottle - Bargain. Slainte-va!

Serving type: bottle

10-20-2002 13:11:06 | More by TheLongBeachBum

Dogbrick

Ohio

4.25/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Immediately after opening the bottle I smelled what I would swear was Froot Loops or Trix (I assume that is the corriander). 1995 edition (through June 2009). Poured a lovely burnt sienna (I have the Crayola to prove it) color with a lively short lived head and lacing. Berries, licorice, and slight alcohol flavor pervade. Almost $5 a bottle here in Ohio but this was worth experiencing and I will get it again for sure.

Serving type: bottle

10-08-2002 08:51:20 | More by Dogbrick

putnam

Michigan

4.97/5  rDev +19.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Cheers to the author of this statement found on the label: "Best before June 2009." As if July 2009 would be off-peak? What day in June 2009, I wonder? Excellent. The color is a shimmering red and black-coffee brown color with paisley splotches of lace. After a couple of Wits this is the perfect follow up. Subdued, polished coriander greets the nose along with chocolate, toffee and sour cream. Extremely velvety texture. So smooth. Graham cracker, campfire and old wool mittens occur. The most delicate dessert-like qualities are present from nose to finish: Trifle, Tiramisu et al. Who knew this kind of richness and balance were obtainable for a mere $5/11.2 oz.???

Serving type: bottle

10-06-2002 12:07:47 | More by putnam

marc77

California

4.22/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Dark brown in hue, w/ clear deep garnet when held to light. The light tan head settles into a thin, tight layer. Aromatic spices comprised of coriander and a hint of cumin hit the nose initially, then are followed by light chocolate malt, dark crystal malt sweetness and trace smokiness from the yeast strain. Mild diacetyl butterscotch surfaces as the beer warms. Overall the aroma is akin to a Belgian wit and British porter hybrid. Flavorwise, roasted barley bitterness quickly yields to a mixture of sweet caramel malt and assertive coriander. Bittersweet chocolate malt then partially counters the strong, herbal spice and prevents it from being cloying. Moderately bodied, w/ a smooth mouthfeel lent by the high apparent terminal gravity. Hop bitterness is meager and lends an overall sweet, but not cloying profile to this brew. Roasted barley bitterness supercedes the secondary hop bitterness. Finishes sweet, with darkly toasted grain lingering. Jacobite is an absolutely unique brew! It falls into the hybrid category-- If you can't decide between a Scotch and Belgian wit, drink this, since it has elements of both. I couldn't drink more than two of these in a sitting, however.

Serving type: bottle

09-07-2002 19:40:13 | More by marc77

John

New York

4.3/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Rich, dark ruby-brown color. Minimal head. Dark roasted malt, dark ripe fruit; prune, black plum are noted in the aroma and flavor. Also present are coriander and perhaps some cardomom. For optimum enjoyment, you MUST consume this at cellar temperature. Very nice.

Serving type: bottle

09-06-2002 07:31:07 | More by John

mzwolinski

California

4.33/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours an enticingly dark ruby, with thin head appropriate to style. Really wonderful malty boquet, with hints of toffee and cherry. Alcohol comes through in flavor and effect. Corriander lends a pleasant, slightly bitter finish to a rich, imperial-like body. Not something I see myself coming back to often, but an interesting and tasty beer nonetheless. Bear in mind -- this beer sits well -- it is meant to be savored slowly!

Serving type: bottle

08-10-2002 15:34:50 | More by mzwolinski

Wildman

Ohio

3.95/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This beer poured out a very black color that appeared dark ruby when held up. Was no head on this one, maybe due again to temperature served. I had the coriander aroma plus some malt. The flavor was of coriander, toffee and anise. The body was not bad, the finish a little bitter. A good dark beer, but a bit pricey. Maybe on certain occasions.

Serving type: bottle

06-26-2002 16:12:58 | More by Wildman

aracauna

Georgia

3.98/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5

This beer poured with an easy and fluffy light-tan head. The body looked black until it is held up to a light where it becomes a dark ruby. The aroma and flavor make this a very interesting beer. The coriander mixed with the very rich, dark malt backbone of this beer made for a very interesting aroma. It reminded me of chocolate covered cherries (the cream kind, not the clear liquid centers) despite the fact that the beer has no cherries in its ingredients. The flavor lacks the cherry notes (although I burped and tasted the chocolate covered cherries). Instead you get a rich toffee and chocolate maltiness with some mild notes of the coriander giving it an interesting taste of something like a bastard child of scotch ale and Belgian abbey ale. There is some bitterness, especially in the finish as the beer warms, but it seems to come from the dark malts as much as from any hops (which were buried under the onslaught of the aromas and flavors of the other ingredients.) The mouth feel if full with a slight cheesiness but not too syrupy. The heaviness of this beer makes it difficult to drink in large quantities or fast, but you'll be satisfied after one and will want to savor it anyway.

Serving type: bottle

06-09-2002 21:49:05 | More by aracauna

mophie

Delaware

4.63/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Deep ruby-brown, with a thin tan head. Smells chocolately and tangy, with a touch of honey and anise. Sweet at first, with chocolate being the dominant taste, then giving way to a slightly spicy, ever-so-bitter finish. Peppery alcohol flavors as well. I expected the coriander to dominate, but it doesn't. Not a beer I would drink frequently, but a treat nonetheless. The coriander makes me want to head to the local Indian take-away for a curry!

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2002 18:46:14 | More by mophie

Jason

Massachusetts

4.4/5  rDev +6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Presentation: 11.2 oz black capped brown bottle, best before date on side of label. Label depicts 1700's Victorian artwork.

Appearance: Nearly black, this intensely dark brew dons an ultra creamy tan lace.

Smell: A blend of coriander and citric peel, light molasses and coffee also. Hint of alcohol in the nose with a faint whiff of anise ... toasted graham crackers? A fitting smell from this brew to warm me up from a long chilly November day.

Taste: Close to silky smooth though with the big chewy malt mouth feel it seems almost creamy in the mouth. Mouthful of coriander, touch of molasses and anise … spiced molasses cookie flavour. Roasted tastes chocolate and coffee are hand in hand with a subdued fruitiness of ripe dried prunes and dates plus a backdrop of warming alcohol brings this brew to the next level of complexity. Hops play a small part and are barely noticeable though still manage to show a little bitterness. Finish goes more and more towards a chocolate flavour.

Notes: A bitter-sweet brew, the coriander is kept in check by the roasted chocolate malt flavours. Any hardcore beer geek would be a fool to pass by this one … go ahead give it a try. Must be served at cellar temp, an easy pairing with a creamy and mild Danish Blue cheese or even match it up with a chocolate dessert. I have seen this brew for around $5-7 … it was worth the splurge.

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2002 13:27:15 | More by Jason

rastaman

United Kingdom (England)

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

Insanely good beer. Spicy, fruity, chocolatey, smooth. Very interesting beer, every sip you can pick up new flavours.

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2002 18:38:42 | More by rastaman

Brent

Kentucky

3.58/5  rDev -13.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

One of those beers that, after you finish it, you say "well, that was interesting," but don't run out to buy another bottle. Barley wine/imperial body with wine/lemon in the background. Coriander, however, is the dominating flavor, and the bottle notes that it is an ale "flavored with coriander." I like coriander in white ales, but here it was almost oppressive. Worth a try for the experience, but not one I plan to keep in the fridge.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2002 16:04:40 | More by Brent

jdhilt

New Hampshire

4.55/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Excellent beer, flavored with coriander, expensive - $6.49 for 11.2 oz.

Serving type: bottle

10-14-2001 18:48:46 | More by jdhilt