Review - Harpoon Brewery's 100 Barrel Series: Steve Stewarts Firth of Forth Ale
"The combination of Scottish malts and American hops give this dark scotch style ale a malty, roasted character with caramel notes and a hint of chocolate. 100 bbl. series, session 22. " -- Harpoon Brewery
Pours a rich caramel color with a beautiful cascading frothy light brown pillowy head with excellent retention. Despite the large head, there is absolutely no lacing clinging to the glass, as it slides off as soon as the head falls away as we move the glass around. Having settled out, the body has actually darkened and gives off a mahogony-like hue which, despite being translucent, is so dark that it's difficult to see through. Fighting through the head is an balanced aroma of both dark caramel malts and a slightly bitter mild hop, but not noticably sweet or fruity. Faint slight bitterness up front that shifts to a not quite sweet finish, but its almost there with a burnt malt taste. Medium bodied with a bit of water but mostly creamy texture, barely there carbonation, it drinks like a cask ale. Leaves the mouth on cloud nine.
Reviewed on March 11th, 2008.
