Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy - CraftBeer.com
Skip to content

Beer Styles

Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy

The Scotch ale is overwhelmingly malty, with a rich and dominant sweet malt flavor and aroma. A caramel character is often part of the profile. Some examples feature a light smoked peat flavor. This style could be considered the Scottish version of an English-style barley wine. Overly smoked versions would be considered specialty examples.

Food Pairings

  • Variety of Meats and Game
  • Pungent Cheeses
  • Creamy Desserts with Fruit

Glassware & Serving Temperature

Thistle
50-55 °F

Commercial Examples

Commercial Examples

Appearance

Color

Light Reddish Brown to Very Dark

Clarity

Clear

Carbonation (Visual)

Medium Rising Bubbles

Flavor/Aroma

Alcohol

Noticeable to Hot

Hop

Hop aroma and flavor are not perceived. Hop bitterness is low but perceptible

Malt

Dominated by a smooth, balanced sweet maltiness. Will also have a medium degree of malty, caramel-like aroma and flavor

Esters

Plums, Raisin, Dried Fruit. A peaty/smoky character may be evident at low levels

Phenols

Not common to style

Fermentation By-Products

Yeast characters such as diacetyl and sulfur are acceptable at very low levels

Sensations

Body

Mouth-Coating

Carbonation

Medium

Finish Length

Medium

Attenuation

Medium

Ingredients

Hops

Kent Goldings

Malt

British Pale Ale, Crystal, Honey, Pale Chocolate, Munich and even Roasted Barley

Water

Soft Water (occasionally)

Yeast

Ale

Other Styles you May Enjoy