Traquair Ale - The perfect companion for the darker nights…
Next year will mark 60 years since Peter Maxwell Stuart, 20th Laird of Traquair, completed the first modern brew of Traquair Ale. But the story begins much further back…
Like all great houses of the past, beer production was a staple part of the diet at Traquair, and the brewery was housed in the ‘modern’ wing of the house (completed in 1694, during the reign of William and Mary…) Before this, it’s likely production dated back to the houses medieval origins, in the kitchen. Now, even if you live in a one bedroom flat you will find that from time to time you forget about things in your house and they get tucked away and covered in dust. In houses like Traquair, whole wings can be forgotten. So it was with the brewery, as the Stuarts of Traquair faded a little into Jacobite obscurity, so the luxury of a home brewery was no longer required. The equipment, including vessels and oak vats, was left dormant for more than 150 years until being discovered by Peter. And it still worked. So, in 1965, the first brew took place by gentleman brewer Mr Peter Maxwell Stuart! After a slow start, the ales took off with international recognition and professional brewers being employed in the 1980’s, something that continues to this day with the highly skilled (and occasionally cantankerous ;)) Spencer as head brewer and Catherine Maxwell-Stuart, 21st Lady of Traquair, as the boss. This is my potted history of Traquair Ales, you can of course learn more by visiting the house and brewery or by reading the excellent article on Traquair’s website (link below…)
The Special Edition 2000th Brew
So what do they taste like? I would describe them as traditional ‘wee heavies’, full of malty flavour, dried fruits, heather, toffee and sweetness. The hops are heritage, and everything about the beer is traditional, Scottish ale. In short, perfect for this time of year when nights are drawing in, and you just want a wee night cap by the fire. Traquair House Ale (7.3% ABV) is the signature beer, with Jacobite Ale (8% ABV) joining the range 30 years ago to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the 1745 rising. Of the two, Jacobite is spicier and the House Ale is sweeter. Bear Ale (5% ABV) is the lightest of the beer’s produced at Traquair, though it’s still full of flavour. This is the ale best paired to Traquair’s summer events, and in the halcyon days of the Traquair Fair where I worked in the beer tent a few times, we sold gallons of the stuff to thirsty revellers! You can buy it in larger, pint sized bottles for a more session friendly beer. Finally at the moment is the very special 2000th Brew (9% ABV). I was fortunate to get a couple of bottles of this limited edition for Christmas last year, it is delicious and was perfect for winter. Don’t let the high ABVs put you off, my view is it is much better to drink one or two delicious, craft brewed beers at a high ABV than it is to drink weaker beer of a lesser quality all day! That however is just my opinion, and I do of course urge anyone drinking alcohol to do so responsibly. Hit the link below to find out more about these special ales and how you can get a hold of them for yourself…
Traquair House brewery and ales - Traquair House
Head Brewer Spencer at work
Image: SSDA
