This one is brewed as a Scotch Ale. Also known as a Wee Heavy, this style goes through a long boil in the brew kettle. Brewing this method tends to give Scottish Ales a deep copper color. Almost identical in taste to most Scottish Ales, these tend to be a little more on the sweet side and a higher alcohol content. Flavors of malt and caramel are usually present.
This Scotch Ale comes to us from the Belhaven Brewing Co in Scotland (How appropriate!). Belhaven’s site tells us that the brewery began in the 1719, although there are indications that brewing may have occurred on the site prior to this year. Although the brewery has changed hands many times over the years, it remains the oldest surviving independent brewery in Scotland. It began with John Johnston’s purchase of the site in 1719 which saw the first commercial brewing at the site. Currently, the brewery is owned by Greene King who purchased it in 2005.
Although traditionally poured in a “thistle” glass, I poured this one into the pilsner glass I had handy. It poured a very dark copper color almost brown in fact. A nice medium head that dissipated a little to quickly, but did stay at a nice thin sustainable thickness. This left a decent lacing on the glass.
Aromas were of malt, chocolate and, believe it or not, bread. A second whiff brought out the faint smell of alcohol and spices.
This Wee Heavy tasted much as it smelled, with the chocolate and spices be the most prevalent, but definitely not overpowering. Their was the heavy taste of malt, but this was balanced out nicely by the subtle taste of hops.
As this one lingers, the malt really comes out, giving this a medium consistency. Nothing to heavy or light.
Overall, a very nice Wee Heavy that weighed in at 6.7% ABV. Went very nicely with the dessert I had of Banana Pudding Ice Cream.
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