][1]The 5pm blog usually concentrates on food but we’re not averse to the occasional glass or two. The latest set of bottles to pass through the 5pm taste labs is a new range of Buccleuch beers. Brewed by Castle Douglas-based Sulwath Brewers, the three beers have been created for Drumlanrig Castle near Thornhill.
Border Reivers
The brews are named after famous Border Reivers who, in ages past, roamed through the lands now covered by the group’s estates.
The first is Bold Buccleuch, named after the Scottish nobleman and famous Border Reiver, Walter Scott. It is a light beer, close to a lager and best enjoyed on a nice warm day according to brewer Allen Henderson. I thought it was almost fruity with a bit of spice and a hint of ginger.
IPA style
Another notorious individual, Walter Scott of Harden, was the inspiration for the Auld Wat beer. This is more of an IPA style, light amber in colour and offered as the middle ground in terms of strength of flavour between the three.
Red Cloak, which is an 80 shilling style or heavy beer with a dark colouring and rich taste, was named in tribute to William Bell of Blackethouse, a former chief of the Clan Bell in the 16th century who went by that name. A good autumnal beer, this had a sweetness which would make it perfect for sipping in front of an open fire.
The Buccleuch range of beers can be ordered online at www.sulwathbrewers.co.uk
With Christmas not so far away, the Buccleuch beers are just the sort of thing that real ale lovers would like to find in their stocking.