Highland Brewing Tasgall II

Highland Brewing Tasgall II is a Scotch Ale, 8% ABV, bottled 2/23/16, opened on 5/5/16. I never had the pleasure to try the Tasgall before it was retired, so I’m not sure if the sequel with live up to, or surpass the original.

This pours with a deep ruby read color and has a nice light tan head with tremendous retention. This certainly has the big rich malty aroma you expect from the style, just a touch of sweet dark fruits as well. Not quite a sweet and smooth as I was expecting on the taste. Malty with a touch smokiness and a surprising… is that hop bitterness? A smoked cherry wood malt was utilized in this beer and I think it comes out with a dry and woody flavor, maybe that is what I am getting as opposed to hops in the taste.

This has been my least favorite offering in the Highland Warrior Series thus far, but I have to admit that it is does have a different flavor profile for the style.