Cauld Reekie

From the windswept moors of Scotland (actually from the cosmopolitan City of Edinburgh) comes Cauld Reekie, a dark ale labeled as a "superior stout." Made by Stewart Brewing, C.R. is sold in pretty 500mL bottles and contains a stalwart 6.2% alcohol.

A glamorous blackish ale with ruby streaks, C.R. pours with a half inch of tan head, though it wasn't keen on sticking around long. Sweet and malt forward through the nose, there's a whiff of dark fruit and another of fine leather goods. The mouthfeel is silky and sexy. As far as flavour, roasted malt is well represented, as is raisin. Delving a bit deeper, molasses and cocoa each have a seat at the table, as does some nice(if mild) hops kick, as things draw to a close.

Superior is a strong word, but this stuff puts in a pretty fair try. It's a little on the sweet side and it could be more bitter. That said, it's a wonderful little ale. I'd buy it again in a flash.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10.