Scottish Brewing History Lesson #2-Ebulum Elderberry Black Ale

According to the label, Ebulum Elderberry Black Ale is brewed according to a 16th Century recipe. It checks in at 6.5% alcohol and is an extremely dark ale.  It looks like a stout, but its thin like an ale.  Very little light gets through this monster.  It is crowned by a relatively this dusting of tan head.

There is a strong scent: sweet, dank and alcoholic. The flavour is very round: mildly fruity and big on malt.  According to the bottle, there is a "red wine flavour." I think this characterization is pretty apt, particularly in the sour tang present in the aftertaste.

This is definitely not a session beer.  It's a touch too sweet for this guy to get behind on a regular basis, but it's an interesting brew and one that is worth trying. It's enjoyable, compelling and unlike anything I've ever tried before.  Definitely a treat to try a new "old" brew.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10.