Ola Dubh (pronounced “0h-la doo”) is a new dark ale from the award-winning Harviestoun Brewery in Alva, Clackmannanshire, which has benefited from being aged in oak casks. So far, so good. What sets Ola Dubh apart from any other beer is that the oak casks in which it has luxuriated were formerly used to mature Highland Park.
We admire Harviestoun because they match our own obsession with quality. That’s why we were happy to collaborate on this project with them. In fact, we have entered a long-term exclusive agreement with Harviestoun so you won’t find any other beer aged in Highland Park casks.
Ola Duh (or “Black Oil”) is a deliciously rich, dark, 8% abv beer – reminiscent of the classic Imperial Porter style of the 19th century. It comes in three different expressions; Special Reserve 12 was aged in casks formerly used to mature Highland Park 12 year old. Similarly, Special Reserve 16 and Special Reserve 30 are all named after the relevant variant of Highland Park . It is a drink of astonishing complexity.
Ola Dubh Special Reserve 16 was reviewed in the January 2008 issue of All About Beer, the US beer enthusiasts magazine of choice. This is what they said: “Magically black ale with a dancing froth. Astonishingly smooth roasted malt aroma with a hint of aged sherry. The flavor is as one with the spirit and the creator of life. Holy Moly! This is one of the best-balanced and smoothest strong black ales I’ve ever had… A beer of existential proportions. I wouldn’t think for a moment of having this beer with food. This one deserves its own pedestal.”
I think they liked it. You will too.
Ola Dubh Special Reserve 12
This dark ale has spent six months in casks which were formerly used to mature Highland Park 12 Year Old. The whisky casks have lent the ale amazing balance, delightful smoothness and subtle smoke from Orkney’s aromatic peat.
Ola Dubh Special Reserve 16
This ale has plenty of personality, the result of ageing in casks previously used at Highland Park to mature our splendidly smooth and sweet 16 year old single malt. With an island-infused flavour, the ale enjoys a finish which is rich, smoky with just the right amount of sweetness.
Ola Dubh Special Reserve 30
If you are interested in extreme olfactory pleasure, look no further than Ola Dubh Special Reserve 30. This is surely a classic in the making; the ale has taken on complex aromatic spices and notes of dark chocolate orange from casks used to mature Highland Park 30 year old.
Ola Dubh is not currently for sale through our website, fuller details can be obtained from their own website.
