On a recent trip to the Zeewijck liquor shop in IJmuiden to discuss my volunteering at the festival last Saturday, I found some rather interesting beers. Black Scottish Ale matured in Highland Park whisky casks. Quite unexpected, even to me with my not so great experiences with black ales and whisky cask maturation, I bought the 12 and the 40 versions. Both matured in whisky casks that previously held Highland Park 12 and 40.

Ola Dubh 12
A lighter style black ale. When pouring it, I expected heavy and thick stout, but it wasn’t that at all. There is a bit of that roasted malt on the nose and the palate, but not overpowering. There is a slight suggestion of whisky, but that might be exactly that, a suggestion. Liquorice. There is the stout flavour somewhere, and if you look for it, it might even get prominent. Mocha, but nothing thick or creamy. A long finish. (€ 4)

Ola Dubh 40
Smoother and a bit more creamy (in texture) than the 12, not thick or greasy though. A very complex beer, the most complex I’ve tasted. The wood influence is quite prominent and it tames the stout a little bit. Quite some whisky influence, in a very positive way. Very, very good stuff! It even comes boxed for that extra luxurious feeling! (€ 9)