Och, Would ye git a lode o’this laddie! Those canny Brewboys have come up with a luscious little lipsmacker, with a rich ruby hue, and the strength of a highland bull. A died-in-the wool ale of old with its heart in the Northermost distilling districts of the Highlands and Islands. Seeing Double, so named because it’s originator is a twin, is a complex and hearty brew. Tawny in colour, with an inviting fume, a feint ‘reek’ from the use of peated malt, normally reserved for whisky making. You may also detect banana or lolly-like esters amongst the caramel and toffee laced vapours. The syrupy palate is thick and coating, and releases wisps of flavours termed ‘congeners’ by whisky connoisseurs. The hops are restrained in-keeping with the traditional style, and the Scots loathing of expensive ‘Southern’ Fantoosh. The brew was created in Winter, by carefully mashing the blended Scottish and Australian malts, infusing a big rolling boil, and then patiently attended, whilst three separate pitchings of yeast frothed gently in the cool fermenting vats for six full weeks. It is hand bottled, encapsulated and dressed in a distinctive, if perplexing, label bearing the Rose clan ceilidh tartan, as used for centuries, for attending celebrations. Then the beer was lovingly bottle conditioned to a beautiful soft carbonation, so carefully decant yourself a dram, or swirl in the yeast for a heartier draught. It must be drunk at cellar temperature, at the coolest, 15 degrees. Don’t put this in the refrigerator, that’s no way to treat a Highlander! Please enjoy this finely crafted drop in the best of company, and we leave you with a spot of beer trivia; There are a range of strengths of Scottish ales, for example Light, Heavy, and Export, which have historically been referred to as 60/- 70/- or 80/- shilling respectively. This relates to the 19th century prices charged per barrel. Anything stronger than those constitutes a Strong Scotch ale. These attracted between 90/- to 160/- per barrel, and are also known as “Wee Heavy”. Slainte!