About Scottish Beer

About Scottish Beer
Scotland: Malty Ales

Much like its culture, Scotland has managed to preserve a distinct brewing identity separate from that of England. The Scottish preference is for soft, sweetish malt-accented ales with low hop bittering. Scotch ales vary, with recipes ranging from medieval to avant-garde, especially among the emerging craft breweries around the country.

In earlier days, Scotch ales were shipped to all corners of the Empire. However, today many of the independent breweries that once made Edinburgh one of Britain’s greatest brewing centers are no longer in operation. Popular breweries with products exported to the United States include BrewDog from Fraserburgh, The Caledonian Brewing Company in Edinburgh and Belhaven from East Lothian.

Top Picks for Scotland

Innis & Gunn Brewing Company Rum Finish Scotch Ale
92 points
Innis & Gunn Brewing Company
Rum Finish Scotch Ale
Brilliant dark copper color. Aromas and flavors of buttery caramel corn, date bread, and smoked nuts with a supple, bright, dryish medium body and a tingling, interesting, relaxed finish imparting overtones of watercress, citrus marmalade, brown spices, and apple pie finish. A nice spicy, creamy Scottish ale.
92 points
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Innis & Gunn Brewing Company Original Scotch Ale
87 points
Innis & Gunn Brewing Company
Original Scotch Ale
Minutely hazy amber color. Aromas and flavors of spiced jerky, buttered dark raisin toast, bbq woods, and clay pot with a silky, lively, effervescent, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a warming, appealing, medium-long finish with accents of spiced dried fruits and herbal honey finish. A rock solid Scottish ale with a nice blend of fruitiness and delicate smokiness.
87 points
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Date Tasted:
Innis & Gunn Brewing Company Bourbon Dark Ale Scottish Porter
81 points
Innis & Gunn Brewing Company
Bourbon Dark Ale Scottish Porter
Minutely hazy bronze color. Roasted aromas and flavors of baking chocolate, dark roasted nuts, and dark sourdough toast with a supple, racy, finely carbonated, sourish medium body and a tingling, brisk finish imparting notes of chocolate yogurt, grilled sweet potato, hint of sauerkraut, and wet paper finish. A savory, earthy porter.
81 points
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Date Tasted: