The Curious Ales of Jekyll and Hyde

On a recent trip to Edinburgh I came across the historical pub, Deacon Brodie's Tavern. Named after a man with duel personas, Brodie was a respected cabinet maker by day and a lowly thief by night. He later became the inspiration for Scottish writer Louis Stevenson's characters Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. This story's theme has influenced many things and now has been portrayed in beer. A recent collaboration between Beavertown and To Øl has produced two great beers with two very different personalities, much like their creators!

Dr Jekyll 8.1%

This pale ale is a good looking beer that pours out a clear, light Amber colour. The beer has been barrel aged in Muscat barrels which gives it a 'grapey' sweetness and the carbonation creates a light fizz reminding me of a glass of sparkling wine. Perhaps portraying Dr Jekyll's first impression as a gentleman. Another flavour that comes through is farm yard straw-like notes which is typical of Belgian styles using wild yeast, such as Brett named in this ale. Brett is often used the help create fun and unusual flavours and can sometimes occur naturally when it's not wanted. This illustrates Jekyll's battles with his inner demons and how he tries to fight Mr Hyde's appearance. It's then that your palette is hit by the tartness of the gooseberry which has an astringent mouthfeel commonly found with sour beers. My interpretation of the gooseberry's tart flavour highlights Jekyll's experimental side as a scientist and his potions leaving a sour taste in his mouth ...

Mr Hyde 13.7%

And then a monster was created with this dark imperial stout giving you a glimpse into the shadowy world of Mr Hyde. The first thing that hits you with this beer is the taste of alcohol. A second barrel aged beer, but this time in scotch soaked barrels, giving the stout a whiskey flavour. Another nod to Hyde's Scottish roots. The whiskey notes give you a warming sensation when drinking the beer which is complimented by the malty hot chocolate flavours. Roasted coffee is also present within the flavour profile of this beer however I felt it was a bit lost by a harsh alcohol burn. I feel this illustrates Hyde's overbearing presence in Jekyll's life, always wanting to break out to be destructive. Although the pour of this stout is fairly thick and glossy the mouthfeel was more watery than I expected. Don't be fooled by this though, you probably want to sip at this style of beer!

Although the Hyde Imperial Stout was not to my taste I can appreciate how it would be a great after dinner drink. I really enjoyed the juxtaposition of the two different styles of beer and how they matched the personalities of their namesake characters. I particularly like the flavour breakdown of the Jekyll Pale however both drinks have complex flavour structures. This duo is definitely worth a try for anyone, the only question is:

                                                          are you Team Jekyll or Team Hyde ....!