The Scottish Experiment ;P (aka The Ryan's Beer Report :D )

As some of you might know, I was visiting Scotland for most of August
Ryan asked me to do some sampling of Scottish beers - with pictures - thus here I am !

Before I talk beers, I must say Scotland is really a beautiful country with great landscapes combining mountain and sea, and of course there are the Lochs ! Ah but let me not forget the people : warm and friendly ! I love this country and will go back there. I have driven 2500 miles around the country, from glasgow to Cape Wrath (farthest North East point of Scotland) via Skye and Lewis, and then to John O’Groats / Duncansby Head (farthest North West) with a detour to the Orkney Islands (North of Scotland). Didn’t get a chance to go up to the Shetlands, not enough time. Then I drove along Spey Bay all the way to the west coast before going south to Edinburgh and its festival (great, great city and amazing festival BTW !).

But back to the matter at hand : the beer I favor most among Scottish beers are Highland and Orkney Beers.

Let me state for the record that I don’t favor lagers much, I like beer which does not taste like water
Sorry for trolling those who like it

Probably too much used to belgian Abbaye and Trappist beers

Here is my little report :

• Beers I loved : Dark Island, Skull Splitter (a well named 8.5° beer), Red Mac Gregor and Red Cuillin, Dragonhead
• Beers I liked : Black Isle, McEwan’s, Black Cuillin, Raven Ale, Three Sisters, Tennents Velvet
• OK beers : Belhaven Best, Tennents
• Beers I didn’t appreciate so much : Deuchars and a few similar others I don’t recall

And ah, pictures as promised !

I think McEwans is in fact listed as a world wonder...

So what whisky did you test?

About the McEwan’s : nice indeed but I like Highlands beer better

About whisky : I confess I am not much of a whisky fan, but I had to taste some, it’s a sample of the culture (do you know the song "Whisky in the Jar" ? quite inspiring... lol).

I sampled the Highland Park, Strathisla, BowMore, Talisker and Lagavullin, all of them quite nice... I knew the Lagavullin already, quite a reputation this one, but I like the BowMore and Highland Park

You’re an amateur ?

Quote from: davidm at Aug 31, 2007, 03:02 AM

You’re an amateur ?

More a drunk

I actually prefer irish whisky. But the odd drop of scotch never did anyone any harm.

Thank you for your report Mr. Molliere. Now, after selling our house this week and moving this weekend, I will REALLY be ready for more scientific research into these suggested bevs. Will be printing out the preliminary findings above, requisitioning some local samples where possible, and letting you know whether or not I concur with your findings.

My bet’s on the Skull Splitter ... or Red MacGregor.

Well, can’t wait to hear about that !

I didn’t know you were moving, that’s a time consuming and tiring thing !!!
A good beer will be well deserved