SkullSplitter Orkney Ale

Today we will be reviewing the SkullSplitter Orkney Ale by Orkney Brewery.




The SkullSplitter is available usually in single 11.2 ounce bottles although it can be purchased at some specialty stores in a four-pack. The beer is 8.5% ABV The single bottle price varies around 3-4 dollars. The price for the four-pack is unavailable.

History

The label to this particular brew features a photo representation of "Skull-Splitter", a "7th century Viking Earl of Orkney". Orkney being a set of islands off the coast of Scotland. This would make it, of course, a Scottish ale. But the names in Thorfinn's history read far more interesting than just the label can provide. Thorfinn "Skull-splitter" Turf-Einarsson married the daughter of Thorstein the Red and they had a son who married the daughter of Eric Bloodaxe. Reading up on a history like this, one can only hope that the beer will be as metal as the history reads. Unfortunately, there is little else available in terms of information on Skullsplitter. All I know is that this beer looks like it was taking down bears with a small knife, all the while just waiting for me. Am I intimidated? The answer is "yes" and "my pants are a little wet".

Taste

The initial pour and aroma of Skullsplitter was.... decieving. The beer had a good sweet and dry aroma. There was very little head to speak of upon pouring. What was this? I was expecting it to start swearing in foreign languages right upon being opened. The color was a good reddish-brown copper color, very beautiful throughout but showing a strong reserve.

Then came the tasting.

It was an ambush. The Skullsplitter was not smooth, but it really didn't need (or want) to be. The initial tastes had strong bitter and slightly nutty notes. Though the brew initially attacked the front of the tongue, it started to make it's way back and leave semi-sweet notes. Finally, after the beer had finished rampaging and sacking the countryside of my tastebuds, it left a bitter yet strong and dark aftertaste on the back of my tongue. Overall I appreciated the strong showing, and was more than eager to subject the poor, peace-loving farm folk of my palate to the savage beating once again. This is definitely a choice for the more excited palate.

Food Pairing

Choosing the appropriate food pairing for this beer selection really was not that hard to make. The Skullsplitter had strong bitter and sweet notes with a dominant, satisfying taste. Given that, and the fact that there is a FREAKING VIKING on the front of the bottle, eating anything less than a plate of barbecue ribs would make the All-Father ashamed of you. The tangy taste of ribs with the correct sauce would definitely be the perfect compliment for this beer.

Song

Lastly, we come once again to the whole point of this: the music selection. So, in review, we have a Scottish Ale created in honor of a Viking that was most likely engineered to burn your village down, all the while laughing and having a damn good time. So we are looking at a strong beer that holds no punches, keeps the whole tasting process exciting, and has a good potency to it. Given that description, it really only makes sense to hear "Beer Beer" by Korpiklaani and say that it is pretty much the musical equivalent to this brew. Non-stop ass-kicking, good times, and a good shout make this song appropriate to match this beer.
"Beer Beer" by Korpiklaani on Youtube (offsite)


So, in closing, we reviewed a strong and good showing of an ale. Skullsplitter is a brew that is more or less not afraid and holds no punches. Well crafted bitter and sweet notes compliment the full-body taste and fragrant aroma. In the end, Skullsplitter Orkney Ale receives a 9.25 out of a possible 10.


Until the next round, make sure the only flat notes are the ones in your music, not your beer.


All photos copyright their respective owners. Sources cited : Wikipedia.org and Orkney Ale.