Otherside Brewing Co Scotch Ale

Otherside’s first barrel release builds on the classic yet little seen Scotch ale style with a little help from Woodford Reserve and Heaven Hill bourbon barrels. The spirituous match is well considered and teases at future releases but, for now, this refined sipper released in time for Christmas 2018 should fortify the more contemplative moments of the tail end of the year.

The dark copper beer’s tight cappuccino-coloured head holds aromas of caramel jubes, bourbon vanilla and muted oak. The palate rolls in two halves, at first smooth caramel, vanilla and subtle bourbon barrel characters – coconut in particular – before segueing into stave-driven dryness and complexity with a little spice and a rising warming booze length. Although malt dominant, hop bitterness is accentuated by the barrel characters, particularly through the finish.

Guy Southern

Published December 8, 2018 2018-12-08 00:00:00