Raspy Engine--Old Engine Oil

Raspy Engine Old Engine Oil is a 5.3% alcohol porter brewed with Scottish raspberries. Born in Hillfoots Village, Alva, Scotland, this little number was created by Harviestoun Brewery. According to the label enveloping the 330mL bottle, Raspy Engine is a modified and lighter version of Harviestoun's Old Engine Oil--an imperial porter--although I've never had the opportunity to taste the original. As well, the label indicates that the berries used in this brew were used whole--seeds and pulp, as well as juice.

Sure enough, the midnight dark ale with the ruby-tinged highlights and creamy head had a potent whiff of raspberries on the nose. Not the tartness of fresh berries, though. Rather the sweet, sugared aroma of jammed razz. Along with the jammy scent, there was a chocolate and coffee vibe that made it clear that this is a dessert brew. The beer had some loose porter elements--it was relatively malty, had some cocoa notes, a dark chocolate spine, and a modestly bitter fin--however, raspberries were the factor that made this ale's engine turn over.

Not quite as tart or as java-focused as I wanted, perhaps, but Raspy Engine still managed to demonstrate the range of flavours a that a raspberry porter can occupy, and with a bit of flair, too. Extremely easy drinking, I found that my glass was empty long before I expected it to be.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10.