Cup O Kyndnes

Last night you might have found me drinking Cup O Kyndnes brewed by Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, New York. This is a Limited Edition, Belgian-Style Scotch Ale brewed with Heather spice and smoked malt. The story on the side of my corked wine bottle talks about the Belgian-Scotch brewing connection dating to World War I and finishes with a Robert Burns quote: "An wil tak a cup o kyndnes yet, fir old lang syn." Seems that dude needs a spelling lesson! Serve at 40 degrees F. Nice presentation with a green and purple plaid label. Packaged on 08/02/10; Best by 08/2012.

Rich caramel, malty aroma. Caramel flavors are the first hitting your palate as well. However, a tangy zest comes in right behind that, nicely complementing the initial brief sweetness. Flowery petals and an interesting spice character enter stage right. Since Heather and I have never slept together (yet), I'll take a guess she's responsible for this aspect.

A bit smoky; a bit oaky; I'm not a huge fan of either, but they are background nuances, so just fine. Now, sorry it's taken so long to mention, but yes, as expected, there is a yeast flavor and texture. Nice carbonation, prickly. And your 6.6% alcohol does show itself toward the end of each sip, drying out the finish. Decent flavors. I liked it, but have had other Scotch Ales that I prefer. In fact, this was really quite different than I remember any of those tasting anyway. Whatever. Check it out if you can.

Brew Like a Monk: Trappist, Abbey, and Strong Belgian Ales and How to Brew Them ~ Stan Hieronymus

A Cup of Kindness: A History of the Royal Scottish Corporation, A London Charity, 1603-2003

Heather Flowers, 1 oz.