home   about         features   A-Z      books         

    features

Gavin D Smith Gavin is probably best known as an authority on Scotch whisky and brewing. He is the author of 16 books, including the Scottish Beer Bible. He contributes to a wide range of publications. He is the contributing editor of our sister title, . BrewDog Beers BrewDog is one of Scotland's newest micro-breweries, having come on stream earlier this year. It is the brainchild of 24-year-old Heriot Watt University brewing graduate Martin Dickie and former fisherman James Watt, who are already turning out a confident and idiosyncratic line up of cask and bottled beers from their premises in the north-east fishing port of Peterhead. BrewDog, Hop Rocker (Scotland) Dry and lemony on the nose, Hop Rocker lives up to its name with a big, punchy blast of astringent hops on the initial palate, which then develops more lemon and a suggestion of peaches. BrewDog describes this as �A statuesque lager,� and while it may frighten off the Carlsberg drinker, it is a distinctly characterful and thirst-quenching alternative for more adventurous quaffers of the genre. 5.5% ABV, 33cl, �1.99, brewery website, independents. BrewDog, Paradox Ale (Scotland) An innovative Imperial Stout, brewed to 8%ABV and marketed in two varieties � a peaty-flavoured version which has been matured in ex-Islay whisky casks, and a more citrus style of beer which comes from ex-Speyside casks. The whisky influence increases the strength to 10.0%ABV at bottling. The first limited edition batch is Paradox Islay Cask, which was filled into a 1996 Caol Ila single malt whisky barrel, and the powerful Imperial Stout interacts well with the full-bodied, earthy, peaty and slightly medicinal Caol Ila influences. Liquorice, roast malt, dark chocolate and a smouldering bonfire on the nose. Lapsang Souchong tea on the palate, with a not unpleasant fishy note. A bold fusion, and the perfect alternative to a dram and a chaser� 10.0% ABV, 33cl, �2.75, brewery website, independents. BrewDog, Punk IPA (Scotland) According to its brewers this is a �Post modern classic pale ale.� They go on to antagonise the drinker by stating that �It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to appreciate the depth, character and quality of this premium craft brewed beer.� If you take up the implied challenge, you will find that the nose is dry and grapey, and Punk is actually full-bodied and hoppy enough to be not far removed from a traditional India Pale ale, as exported in the days of the British Empire. Well balanced and very pleasing on the palate. 6.0% ABV, 33cl, �1.99, brewery website, independents. BrewDog, The Physics (Scotland) A bright, amber beer with hops and caramel on the nose and an intriguing interaction of fruit/fudge and spicy, hoppy bitterness on the palate. This dog can bite! Brewed using Caramalt and Crystal malt, plus First Gold hops, this is �A beer with a slight identity crisis,� as the attitude-laden bottle label puts it. However, it is an identity crisis that works very well in the glass. 5.0% ABV, 33cl, �1.99, brewery website, James Clay.

 home   about         features   A-Z      books