Beer of the week: Skull Splitter Orkney Ale

Type Scottish ale

Maker Orkney Brewery in Orkney, Scotland

Alcohol 8.5 percent

Cost $10 for four 11.2-ounce bottles at Total Wine and More, Crossways Center, 1600 Crossways Blvd., Chesapeake.

Sometimes, I just forget about beer. I taste so many brands and styles that sometimes good ones slip past unnoticed. Occasionally, even a great one. Thanks to Eric Trotman of Chesapeake, I decided to take a look at SkullSplitter, and I can't thank him enough.

SkullSplitter is a delight of a beer. A strong Scottish ale, or "wee heavy," this beer is sweet, flavorful and full. Scottish ales are generally the same: dark malt-bomb beers that are rich and full of caramel, raisin and dark fruit flavors.

The "wee heavys" are the kingpins of Scottish ales. These have the most malt character and the most alcohol. They also tend to be the most complex and satisfying. That brings us to SkullSplitter, and it delivers on all counts. The smell alone is worth a few shillings easy, and for the taste, I'd chip in another couple of bucks.

- Reviewed by Bill Manley, Link