You know, sometimes I think I have too much beer on my hands. Well, actually no, that's not the problem. The problem is I have too little time to drink it in, you see. Somehow, I've amassed a backlog of beers to enjoy and write about, and I just can't seem to get caught up. It's true what they say: work really is the curse of the drinking class.

Anyway, I'm trying to get caught up on my Terrapin Side Projects, especially so that I can try their forthcoming Pumpkin Ale in order. Towards that end, I broke out my lightly chilled bomber bottle of Terrapin Side Project Volume 6: 90 Shelling Scotch Ale this evening. This one came out in May, and here it is October that I'm getting to it. No worries, though: a real Scotch Ale should have no problem aging a measly five months or so.

The name "90 Shelling", of course, is a play on the Scottish moniker of 90 Shilling, which in turn stems from the habit of taxing beers by strength. The higher the alcohol, the higher the tax. Here, the alcohol content is 7.3% by volume, and is thus in tune with the name. Malts used are 2-Row Pale, Wheat,  Munich, caramel Pils, and Roasted Barley, with East Kent Golding hops keeping the beer from being too cloying in the finish.

I can't tell you how many times I've rushed home with great anticipation, a newly acquired Scotch Ale in my clutches, only to find out it was more of a lower-strength Scottish Ale in reality. Here, that's not the case: this one fits the name, and then some.

Terrapin Side Project Volume 6: 90 Shelling Scotch Ale pours to a dark brownish mahogany color with a minimal head formation and a delightfully aromatic nose of nuts and treacle. When I take a sip, a smile immediately comes to my face: this is what a Scotch Ale should be like. Sweet and sticky, extremely malty and packed with rich notes of molasses, toasted nuts, plum pudding, coffee, candied fruit, toffee, and dark raisin.

The finish is a little on the sweet side, too (but I want that), with just a hint of alcohol warmth. Not getting alot of hops here, but that's OK, too: a real Scotch Ale should emphasize the malt, and this one does.

My reviews on the Side Project line have been less than raving at times, but this one is exceptional, and deserving of high praise. Distributed in a very limited area, but if you see it in yours, be sure to snap a bottle or two up.

Dare I say it's worth shelling out $6.99 for?