Williams Bros 80/-

William’s Brothers 80/- (that’s ’80 shillings’ for those born this side of decimalisation, me included) is a traditional Scottish ale. It pours a deep reddy brown liquid, as if it is sprung right out from the land infused with clay and earth.

Its full malt flavour grabbed me from the off but was quickly replaced with a roasted body that created a very pleasant aftertaste. This is an enjoyable beer to drink.

Williams Bros went very well with my dinner, a sort of pasta-ry sausage affair

The malt was chocolately and there were hints of toffee and fudge, like the smell of chocolate cooking in a smoky kitchen, amidst the roasted flavours.

The finish came up a little too quickly and it wasn’t until the end of the bottle I fully appreciated the character, which was a little like a barbecue in a pâtisserie, or perhaps a fruit shop. The quirky malt character at the beginning faded into the roasted undertones with hints of fruit in the middle.

This beer is something different and very enjoyable. If I’d just had a bit more body in it I’d find it a little more compelling, but I’ll certainly be buying more of this.