Beer Advent Calendar 2013 - December 19th

I went shopping today, in Cardiff.  Walked around for a bit - saw things I could buy for people and then purchased them online.  It just seems wrong.

 Harviestoun - Ola Dubh 
I've been looking forward to this beer more than any other I recall purchasing for the calendar.  Scotch matured ales are one of my favourite types of beer.

Most of the serious scotch aged ales I've had are from Brewdog, the Paradox beers.  Usually they're over 10% ABV and are pretty strong - sometimes too strong - drink-ability is not their forte.
Ola Dubh is only 8%, has all the good features of a Paradox with none of the negatives.  It's been aged in 12 year Highland Park casks for (up to) 6 months.
It smells of whisky (obvs!), prunes, chocolate and rich malts - tastes sweet, with a terrific peaty note, bitter finish.

I was really doing my best not to give anything full marks this year, but I can't really find fault with this one.  It's an ideal scotch aged ale.

42/42