Bird Brewery's Datsmaaktnaar Meerkoet is a Scotch Ale at 6.8% ABV built on seven malt varieties. Toffee, chocolate and dark fruit lead the charge, with subtle smoke adding depth and intrigue. Despite its rich flavour profile, the beer avoids the cloying sweetness that can plague the style.

The full, lingering finish rewards attention. Layers unfold across the palate—raisin, caramel, bread—making this a beer that reveals itself over multiple sips. A well-crafted expression of what Amsterdam's Bird Brewery brings to the Scotch Ale category.