FyneBank is a small Scottish brewery that’s done something genuinely unusual: brewed a golden ale using peat-smoked malt, the same technique used to create the distinctive character of Islay whisky. It’s a bold creative decision — smoke in a golden ale is unexpected, and pulling it off without creating something overwhelming or just weird requires real skill. The connection to Scottish whisky tradition gives the beer an identity that’s completely its own.
Tasting Notes
It pours a clear golden amber with good carbonation. The nose immediately gives you that distinctive peaty smoke — earthy, medicinal in the best Islay whisky sense — but it sits on top of the cleaner golden ale base rather than overwhelming it. On the palate the smoke is present but restrained, balanced by a light malt sweetness and gentle hop bitterness. The finish has a pleasant lingering smokiness that’s genuinely evocative of a good single malt.
Verdict
This is a beer for people who love peated Scotch whisky and want to explore those flavours in a more sessionable format. Serve at cellar temperature to get the most from the smoke character — cold suppresses it. It’s a conversation piece as much as a beer, and would be particularly interesting alongside smoked meats, Scottish cheeses, or just a good pub fire. Adventurous and well-executed.
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