The concept of Mikkeller can be very difficult to describe to novices. For anyone familiar with the Mikkeller experience, really think about how to convey it. How do you describe the calculated insanity? We have all experienced Mikkeller brews that pucker faces, scrunch eyebrows, steal breaths, scorch throats, and punish taste buds. On the tail end, I have often been at a loss to put those moments into meaningful words. But, on a recent trip to the world famous Mikkeller Bar in Copenhagen, Denmark, I was literally gifted a story that properly describes the Mikkeller experience.

Unlike general bars and pubs, the Mikkeller Bar is quaint and quiet. It's a place to enjoy the top tier of craft beer, not a place to get drunk. So when a group of three loudmouthed tourists walked in, they immediately disrupted the vibe. They sat down, scanned a beer menu they weren't remotely prepared for, and settled on the Scotch Islay Edition of the Beer Geek Brunch Weasel Imperial Stout. To quote one, ''hey, I like Scotch and Guinness.'' A few whiny groans later, they get up to leave the bar having only made it through a third of the bottle. Three macho guys, only a third. But not wanting to waste any, they offered the rest of the bottle to the nearest person: me. I thanked them for their kindness and they left. My wife and I, knowing the exquisiteness of the nectar they just surrendered, squealed in delight and happily finished every last drop of the bottle without so much as a flinch. That, my friends, is the Mikkeller experience.

As far as the beer itself is concerned, I have already reviewed the majestic awesomeness that is the Beer Geek Brunch Weasel Imperial Stout (link below). So, I will concentrate more on what the Islay Scotch Edition brings to the table.

http://www.brewchief.com/review.cfm?id=398

The most obvious and noticeable difference in the introduction is the strong scotch infusion, which tends to overpower all other aromatics with exception of the coffee roast. This version really does smell like a cup of rich coffee with a shot of quality scotch. The flavor itself is simply explosive. The sweetness of the scotch adds so much character to the savory coffee roast and dark chocolate notes. It actually has an amplification effect, which is saying a lot considering the base beer. The core alcohol burn has also been significantly amplified, so it helps to prepare yourself for it.

Overall, Mikkeller's Scotch Islay Edition of the Beer Geek Brunch Weasel Imperial Stout is just as exquisite as the original. There is very little else I can say about it other than go find it. The Weasel itself is such an amazing brew that it's hard to imagine ever being able to improve on it. But I'm here to tell you that it has actually been done. In Mikkeller we trust.