OK, Highland Brewing of Asheville, North Carolina, what’s up with your Tasgall II Scotch Ale? It seems a lot like Tasgall I Scotch Ale, although you used to just call that one Tasgall Scotch Ale. Hopping back (pun intended) to my tasting notes for the original Tasgall, the beers seem similar except for the subtle smokiness in Tasgall II. Perhaps that's the difference, smoked malt?
Highland says Tasgall II is part of their “Warrior Series”, which are, as they say, “Just a wee bit bolder”. Furthermore, they say “High gravity, bold styles define Highland’s Warrior Series. Look for a new one every month”.
All that is from the label, as is the following:
Highland's vintage Scotch-style ale. Named for the "Cauldron of the Gods" from Norse mythology, this deliciously dark, complex beer combines Scotland-grown Golden Promise malts with double roasted crystal malt, crystal rye, and a touch of cherry wood-smoked malt for a deeply rich, bold flavor. This winter sipper is worthy of its mythological name.
Interesting they say vintage, because my Tasgall II was vintage even before I bought it. The bottle is marked as filled on 2/23/16, but the check in tag to Total Wine says 9/24/2016. I drank the bottle I’m reviewing on November 25th. Highland Tasgall II Scotch Ale has an alcohol content of 8% by volume.
Highland Tasgall II Scotch Ale pours to a hazy caramel color with a medium head of tightly packed creamy foam and a luscious nose of rich toffee with a hint of smoke. Taking a sip, the beer simply bursts with glorious caramel maltiness, is slightly nutty with permeating rich treacle and butterscotch and a dark fruity note of raisin. A hint of smoke and an underlining spicy rye flavor. The beer is balanced with grassy hops and wants to finish sweet with big malt at the last, but the grassy hops won’t allow it.
An excellent Scotch ale, 4.5 stars and a real beauty were my initial thoughts on style and hedonistic enjoyment. A full star off, though, for the fact this beer (which replaces Tasgall) comes in 4-packs instead of 6-packs, and costs $9.99 for that. I feel I’ve been shorted two bottles, and though I might still buy the beer, it will be much less often at that price.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
(G)=Growler