For Punks Only: BrewDog Punk IPA

BrewDog is one of the most interesting breweries out there. A small two-guys brewery developed into a huge company in a matter of just a couple of years.  But although becoming widelf popular, they still managed to retain their anti-mainstream attitude. Excellent job (for more info visit their official web site – a nice read). I remeber walking around Edinburgh a couple of years ago, seeing this punk beer in the shop and I just knew I gotta go get it.

• Name: BrewDog Punk IPA
• Brewery: BrewDog
• City: Ellon
• Country: Scotland

This punk beer pours out with a golden color, which is somewhat misty. It is topped by an average white head, which has a moderate retention. The aroma is sweet and hoppy. Although initially quite faint it develops into a decent smell. The taste is somewhat sweet in the background but mostly hoppy in the upfront, perhaps also slightly yeasty. It has that ale feel all over it togethet with a quite strong taste, which is not really my favourite kind. It’s also fairly filling.

I don’t consider myself an IPA lover. It just isn’t my thing really. But despite this, I can say Punk IPA is a high quality beer. It’s definitely not among my favourites, but that doesn’t diminish the great work the guys at the brewery do.

• Style: India Pale Ale
• ABV: 6%
• Ingredients: water, malt, hops

RATINGS

• Appearance: 3,5 / 5
• Smell: 4 / 5
• Taste: 3 / 5
• Overall: 3,5 / 5

Unusual Name, Unusual Beer: Harviestoun Old Engine Oil

I have always wanted to visit Scotland. And when I finally did it, a couple of years ago, I fell in love with everything about Scotland. The country, the people, the history, …. and the beer. I got this one because of it’s name, although I can’t remember where exactly did I get it.

• Name: Harviestoun Old Engine Oil
• Brewery: Harviestoun Brewery
• City: Alva
• Country: Scotland

The label says that this beer is named in honor of the brewers second love, cars. It definitelly looks like an old engine oil with its dark brown, almost black color. It is topped with a finger or two of tan head, which dissipates relatively quickly. The smell is very pleasant and quite strong. I can point out roasted malts, along with some coffee and chocolate aroma. The taste is sweet, but with the addition of the already mentioned coffee (not my favourite) and chocolate. The end is quite bitter, but it still runs down your throat smoothley.

Old Engine Oil is everything you expect from a porter, and also everything the label promises – viscous, chocolatey, bitter. The lovers of ales and porters will definitely enjoy it, whereas the lovers of lager may find the taste slightly strong. But it’s a very nice beer nonetheless.

• Style: English Porter
• ABV: 6%
• Ingredients: water, barley malt, wheat, oats, hops

RATINGS

• Appearance: 4,5 / 5
• Smell: 4 / 5
• Taste: 3,5 / 5
• Overall: 3,5 / 5