Try?
Maybe it’s just
a coincidence, but a few years after I moved to Georgia, the archaic laws
that limited the alcohol content of beer to 6% started to go by the wayside.
First in Georgia, and now in North Carolina. Beer has always seemed to
follow me wherever I go (or maybe it’s the other way around), after all.
Maybe my enthusiasm was starting to rub off.
Seriously, though, the credit for the move to allow more complex beers with higher alcohol contents goes to indigenous enthusiast movements that have been in place for some time. In Georgia, that was Georgians For World Class Beer. They succeeded in getting the law changed, and in July of 2004 the first beer over 6% was legally poured all over the Peach State.
Inspired by this, North Carolina was the next objective. The cleverly named organization Pop the Cap got the limit thrown out (raised to 15% really) last year, and now North Carolinians can enjoy some of the world’s finest brews without having to drive to Atlanta or Knoxville to get them. Can South Carolina and Alabama be far behind?
Ok, by this time you’re wondering what this has to do with Highland Brewing’s Tasgall Ale. Simply put, without the changes to the law that Pop the Cap pushed through, Tasgall Ale could not exist. For Highland Brewing, you see, is located in Asheville, North Carolina, and Tasgall is actually brewed to 8% alcohol volume to celebrate the popping of the cap. In fact, it was the first such beer to get the go-ahead in North Carolina.
Tasgall is a corruption of the old Norse term Ásketill, which means “Cauldron of the Gods”. From such cauldrons must come only the finest of brews. Highland confirms as much:
Our Scotch-style ale, named from Norse mythology, combines the heritage and tartan of our brew team. The roasted barley and chocolate malt lend a bold flavor to this delicious dark beer. Its increased hop level is a modest departure from a true Scotch-style ale. We hope you agree this is a beer worthy of the name Tasgall, "Cauldron of the Gods."
IBU: 27
Alcohol Content: 8% by volume
Hops: Sterling
I pour a bit of my Tasgall Ale into a thistle-shaped Scotch ale glass, the true and proper vessel from which to sip the style. The color is dark reddish brown, and a small, thin creamy head forms atop the liquid. The enticing nose is slightly sweet, and hints at caramel.
A sip coats the mouth with a smooth, very drinkable but very flavorful liquid. The chocolate malt and roasted barley impart a slightly nutty, very chocolaty flavor that is slightly bittersweet. But there’s a hint of caramel present as well, and that combines with the chocolate to give a Heath Bar like toffee flavor. I get some fruity prune notes as well, and perhaps some candied fruit.
The beer finishes with some decidedly grassy hops, a gentle bitterness, and warming alcohol. It’s perfect this time of year on a rare (especially this year) cold night in Georgia. I don’t think I would pair it with food, but it’s perfect just before or after dinner. Let it warm a little to appreciate all of its complex flavors.
Given Highland’s Gaelic theme, a Scotch ale is a natural for them. And they’ve done a wonderful job with this one. Why not pop the cap on one yourself?
Seriously, though, the credit for the move to allow more complex beers with higher alcohol contents goes to indigenous enthusiast movements that have been in place for some time. In Georgia, that was Georgians For World Class Beer. They succeeded in getting the law changed, and in July of 2004 the first beer over 6% was legally poured all over the Peach State.
Inspired by this, North Carolina was the next objective. The cleverly named organization Pop the Cap got the limit thrown out (raised to 15% really) last year, and now North Carolinians can enjoy some of the world’s finest brews without having to drive to Atlanta or Knoxville to get them. Can South Carolina and Alabama be far behind?
Ok, by this time you’re wondering what this has to do with Highland Brewing’s Tasgall Ale. Simply put, without the changes to the law that Pop the Cap pushed through, Tasgall Ale could not exist. For Highland Brewing, you see, is located in Asheville, North Carolina, and Tasgall is actually brewed to 8% alcohol volume to celebrate the popping of the cap. In fact, it was the first such beer to get the go-ahead in North Carolina.
Tasgall is a corruption of the old Norse term Ásketill, which means “Cauldron of the Gods”. From such cauldrons must come only the finest of brews. Highland confirms as much:
Our Scotch-style ale, named from Norse mythology, combines the heritage and tartan of our brew team. The roasted barley and chocolate malt lend a bold flavor to this delicious dark beer. Its increased hop level is a modest departure from a true Scotch-style ale. We hope you agree this is a beer worthy of the name Tasgall, "Cauldron of the Gods."
IBU: 27
Alcohol Content: 8% by volume
Hops: Sterling
I pour a bit of my Tasgall Ale into a thistle-shaped Scotch ale glass, the true and proper vessel from which to sip the style. The color is dark reddish brown, and a small, thin creamy head forms atop the liquid. The enticing nose is slightly sweet, and hints at caramel.
A sip coats the mouth with a smooth, very drinkable but very flavorful liquid. The chocolate malt and roasted barley impart a slightly nutty, very chocolaty flavor that is slightly bittersweet. But there’s a hint of caramel present as well, and that combines with the chocolate to give a Heath Bar like toffee flavor. I get some fruity prune notes as well, and perhaps some candied fruit.
The beer finishes with some decidedly grassy hops, a gentle bitterness, and warming alcohol. It’s perfect this time of year on a rare (especially this year) cold night in Georgia. I don’t think I would pair it with food, but it’s perfect just before or after dinner. Let it warm a little to appreciate all of its complex flavors.
Given Highland’s Gaelic theme, a Scotch ale is a natural for them. And they’ve done a wonderful job with this one. Why not pop the cap on one yourself?
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
