by Scott Shaffer

Created on: July 17, 2008   Last Updated: November 07, 2008

Say Merlin's Ale and you say magic in a bottle! Ok, that was funnier when I was drinking from the bottle with Merlin's likeness, or what we know of as Merlin, on it. It was one of those nights where a friend and myself were drinking odd beers and ales in an effort to educate our pallets. The reason I remember this one was the fact that I had good company, good ale, and a heck of a lot of fun with the bottle.

Before I get all nostalgic and rush out to the bar again at lunch, let me say that the ale was not something that was outstanding in boldness, nor did it lack for flavor. It was a mild mixture of the hops and barley, along with a blend that tasted a little citrus in it's after taste. This fact was mulled over as we sat and tried to decipher just what the flavor was, but alas we couldn't. Mild and tangy with a pleasant aroma, this was a good middle of the road ale; one that could be drank quickly and easily while chatting with friends. It was a good fill in the Pilsner glass as it had good head and left a nice trail of residue, that white foam that lingers on the glass, as it was being drunk. Some people find that important, I loved it for the bottle.

While remembering this ale I wanted to find out a little about the brewery where this came from, so I looked up the name on Google. I was amazed at just how much information was out there as I read page after page of reviews. It seems the brewery was established in 1980, in Scotland, which is relatively young for a brewery. It boasts 13 total beer products, but is known for the faces on its labels. Primarily a UK product it does get shipped to the far reaches of the world, but finding it can be tricky. If you are interested in finding out just a little more than visit their website at http://www.broughtonales.co.uk and look around.

I am saddened at the prospect of not finding this item too easily as it was a pleasant ale to drink, and I wouldn't have minded having a country fried steak, mashed potatoes, and a good bottle of Merlin's sitting there smiling back at me. I know I am going to keep my eye open for this mild alcoholic alternative to a dinner beverage. Oh, and if you get a chance to pick up a bottle, smile at it, remember that the man on the bottle was alive some 3500 years ago, and don't talk to him if he talks to you. It'll just be that you had too much to drink, let's face it bottles don't talk. Bottoms up.

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