TRAQUAIR HOUSE brewery was originally an 18th century domestic facility producing beer only for the house and estate workers. It fell into disuse in the 1800's and the equipment lay hidden and untouched until it was discovered by Peter Maxwell Stuart, 20th Laird of Traquair, who founded the present brewery in 1965. Since his death in 1990, his daughter Catherine has run the brewery and indeed expanded it.
This is the oldest inhabited house in Scotland (over 900 years) and has played a prominent part in the country's history. A visit here is a fantastic day out and if you enjoy a beer or two, even better.
The house is open to the public, as is the brewery - and they hold an annual beer festival at the end of May.

I first visited the house in the early eighties and while touring the brewery struck up a conversation with Peter Maxwell who was busily working away at his craft at the time. The thing I remember most was his enthusiasm and I felt that he would have stood there talking about his beer all day long (if Mrs P hadn't dragged me away).

Traquair Ales are brewed using malted barley from East Lothian, East Kent Goldings hops, yeast and pure spring water (from their own natural spring on the property). No preservatives or additives are used.

In addition to this beer, Traquair House Ale, they produce Jacobite Ale, Bear Ale and many special/seasonal brews.

Abridged from:
http://www.traquair.co.uk/beer.html


------------------------INTERLUDE---------------------------

One day a man decided that he was fed up of going home every payday and giving his check to his wife. So the next time he got his pay, he went out partying all weekend. When he finally decided to come home, his wife waiting for him at the front door. As soon as he she sees him she gives it, "where have you been, why haven't you called, where is your paycheck?" She stops, noticing that he appears not to be listening at all. She then grabs his face and states very harshly "How would you like it if you didn't see me for a couple days?" The man thinks a little and he says with a half smirk "I think that I would like that fine!"
A day goes by and he doesn't see her...2 days go by and he still hadn't seen her...3 days go by and the swelling had gone down just enough that he could see her through the corner of his left eye.

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Back to thre beer......


THEY SAY:
"The original rich dark ale recognised as a world classic. Serious alcohol and fruity malt on the nose... with a little oak and amontillado sherry character."

TRAQUAIR HOUSE ALE pours a clear and very deep, rich, dark reddish-brown colour almost like peat-water, with a tan-coloured, foamy head which retains quite well and only slowly sinks until it just kisses the edge of the glass. Rich and fruity, and somewhat nutty malt aromas are overwhelmingly dominant with just a hint of grassy hops and a light oaky aroma.

It's medium-bodied, and the taste has a soft, oaky, earthiness which counteracts the dark-malty nuttiness. Grainy - with a firm roasted flavour, it's an extraordinarily tasty ale with the rich flavour of fruit pie and a hint of vanilla. It can be slightly sweet but has a sherry-like dryness that counteracts the sweetness and balances the ale perfectly. A very light bite at the end reminds you that this is a beer with a good hop profile as well, but it's not overly bitter. The aftertaste is clean and fresh, with just a hint of grassy hops.

• The Verdict •

At 7.3% ABV, this is a surprisingly light beer, not heavy nor overpowering at all. Smooth, clean, malty and yet blending perfectly to give a fresh quality at the end of each and every sip.
It is a powerful brew which is all to easy to swallow and if you're not careful, intoxication can soon follow. (And we wouldn't want that now, would we?)

Excellent with full-flavoured cheeses and red meats, it also serves well as a Christmas ale. Perfect with fruit, nuts or even spiced cake - why not sip on a few whilst candles gently flicker, log fires crackle and the Christmas tree glitters in the background.
Alternatively, you could always just 'skelp doon' a good few bottles as and when you felt like it.

This used to be quite a difficult beer to come across and outwith the Borders region where it's brewed, or by mail-order, your only chance would have been from a speciality beer shop. I'm glad to say that Safeway now stock this beer at £1.60 for a 330ml bottle.


Want to know more about Scottish beer?
- then click this.


Thanks for reading,
Sláinte


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