Dark Island Reserve

Today I go in search of Dark Island Reserve. A beer that even red wine drinkers find palatable – or so I thought. Wish me luck!

Sinclair Breweries – Dark Island Reserve

The idea behind the Dark Island Reserve was to create a super-premium, unique and special beer that set new standards in Britain in quality of product and packaging. Since it’s won the packaging industry award for presentation, I think we can say we are achieving our aims.

Using our iconic Dark Island Ale, which is then matured in aged Orkney malt whisky casks for three months, gives this bottled ale a new dimension.

The markets for Dark Island Reserve are quite exclusive and shall remain so as our production is deliberately limited. Retailers, deli’s and off licenses which specialise in their field will stock this exciting new product.

The bottle size of 75cl and its 10% alcohol by volume means this ale is designed to be savoured.

Each bottle is hand bottled and labeled with the individual Gyle number. Classic Dark Island flavours of smooth roast malt, dark chocolate, caramel, figs and dates combine with vanilla, spice and bitter orange flavours from the wood and whisky.

The front label depicts an etching of the famous Orkney Standing Stones and includes the short description – DARK ISLAND RESERVE The Extraordinary Orcadian Ale. Dark Island Reserve is a rich strong Orcadian ale. After a gentle fermentation at our brewery in Quoyloo, the beer is finished in old oak casks formerly used to mature fine malt whisky. This unhurried process creates a timeless classic full of fruit, spice, oak and roast malt flavours.

Each label is finished, as with the entire Orkney range, with the signature of Andrew Fulton our Head Brewer.

If you are looking for an ale to savour or the perfect gift for a real ale fan then this is the very thing.