Skull Splitter

Skull Splitter comes from The Orkney Brewery in Quoyloo, Stromness, Orkney Islands, Scotland. It's a rich ale, described on the label as "The Authentic Orcadian Ale" and "5000 years in the making". It's sold in 330mL bottles which display a grumpy viking on the label. Skull Splitter weighs in at a powerful 8.5% alcohol. It's apparently named after Thorfinn Hauskaluif, the 7th Viking Earl of Orkney.

This muscular ale pours a clear, copper colour. It has a thin covering of off-white head. The aroma is busy. It contains notes of malt, metal, and some faint fruitiness. Skull Splitter is a flavourful brew, but one which doesn't brag of its elevated alcohol content. Malt driven and slightly spicy, there is a lot going on, taste-wise. It's not particularly bitter, but there is a gentle hop kiss way at the back end. I'd actually like it if there was a touch more.

Skull Splitter manages to be sweet but not oversweet. It's very easy-drinking for such a boozy brew. It's a pretty interesting and well conceived strong ale.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10.