Dirty Bastard

Brewery: Founders Brewing Co.

Supplier: Beers of Europe

Bought this from the Beers of Europe storehouse for a reduced price as it has a best before date of May 2014, but it is my experience that Scotch ales get better past their "best before date". Another one (and I believe the last for me to try on this) of the Founders Year-round range, this is their Scotch ale and Silver Medal Winner at the 2010 World Beer Cup in the Strong Ale category. I served this at room temperature.

Appearance: An thick off white head with a hint of rust colour and small bubbles; the body is quite dark with some maroon light coming through when held to a source.

Aroma: Initially some musky and unpleasant notes, but once it breaths there are some sweet malty grape notes synonymous with this style.

Flavour: Hits you with a malt and grape/raisin sweetness with some biscuit and roasted notes. This sweetness settles with some drinking allowing some wood notes to come through, developing from a sweet into a savoury drink in one glass. 

Body: Not a thick as you would expect, as you would expect syrup, probably just the right level for this beer

Aftertaste: This sweetness turns into a slight salty tart flavour which still has some of the raisin and roasted notes. Maybe a hint of the peat smoke at the back but it might just be because I read that.

Overall: Therefore this gets a rating of 8, but only just, it has some nice simple notes that are out there in full whack, I pushed it to an 8 as the flavours develop whilst drinking making it an interesting drink throughout the glass. I would recommend that you let this breath and that you only drink it if you have a sweet tooth.

Price Range: A reduced price of £1.75 for a 355ml bottle, probably one of the best prices I've paid (although this particular one my parents bought for me).

Food Pairings: A nice strong cheese board with some rustic oatmeal crackers.