Brewery Ommegang- Cup o Kyndnes: Is a Cup o Kyndness my cup o tea?

I was at the local Binny’s Beverage Depot and I noticed a bottle of Cup o Kyndnes from the Brewery Ommegang. The name Cup o Kyndnes comes from the chorus of Auld Lang Syne which is, “Fir ald lang syn, ma jo, fir ald lang syn, wil tak a cup o kyndnes yet, fir ald lang syn”.  Loosely translated that would mean, for auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

Auld Lang Syne is a Scots poem written by Robert Burns. It’s meaning gets lost in translation, but it means something along the lines of “long long ago” or “days gone by” or “old times’ sake” and it traditionally sung to celebrate the start of  the new year.

I took off the cage, pulled out the cork and poured a reddish-brown ale with a frothy two-finger head that had a deep tan color. There was medium carbonation which helped bring the aroma of bread, caramel, chocolate, and smoke to my nose.  At first sip I noticed that the body was medium-light and the flavor is a bit astringent. The malt comes through with an off-putting tartness, and then comes peat-smoke which I like, but what lingers in the finish is a dry alcoholic burn.

Well my friends, I have to admit that I am not a fan of this beer. That is not-to-say that I didn’t finish the 22 oz. bottle, I am merely pointing out that I wouldn’t spend my own money to get another. In a Scotch ale I am looking for a heavy, smoky, malty-sweet ale and that is not entirely what I got. Don’t take my word for it though, try one and see what you think.

ABV: 6.6%

Consumed: Mother Earth Globe Glass

Verdict: Bum one from a friend