Belhaven Brewery - Wee Heavy Scotch Ale - Friday Beer O'Clock Selection 4-15-2011
This week's Selection brings us back to the Wee Heavy Scotch Ale style of brews. If you've learned anything from these reviews, it's that if it's brewed in Scotland, It's probably a good bet that it going to be delicious. Can you tell I'm a fan?
Up to a couple weeks ago, I've had no personal opinions of the Wee heavy style brews. My first was the Sam Adams Wee Heavy. Not really a "true" Wee Heavy and they took som liberty with changing it up a little, but it was good. This week I wanted to get a taste of a true, classic Scottish Wee Heavy straight from the quilted lands and brought home a bottle Belheaven Wee Heavy.
ABV: 6.5%
Appearance: Poured with a dark copper color revealing lighter copper and red colors against the light. The pour formed a small one finger (or less) head that dissipated quickly leaving little evidence that one ever existed at all. Collar is broken and loose around the edge. Some lacing, but very spotty and no retention.
Aroma: Mostly barley and malts with some wood smokiness. Also getting some decent caramel but overall, a little flat on the nose. (Disclaimer: Sinuses are a bit backed today, so I am not likely getting all that is offered from this brew.)
Taste: Impressive first mouth. First on the tongue a smoky barley and malt, followed by great caramel and fruits. Most notable for me are plum, raisins, rum, and a general fruitness. Really nice all the way through with sweeter finish lingering with slight smoky rum raisin and very ever so slight hop that almost goes unnoticed.
Feel: Slightly carbonated, but still velvety smooth having some weight and body behind it with a wet finish. Like the Sam Adams Wee Heavy, the sweetness with the heavy smooth body lend it an almost syrup quality with out being syrupy. I'm guessing this is characteristic of the Wee Heavy style at this point.
Drinkability: Drink it you got it... and if you don't got it. go get some. This is a delicious brew perfect for sipping and just relaxing - With friends, watching the game or lounging in the yard. That's what I'm talking about... Enjoy.
That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it. What do you think? Like it? Love it? or could live without it?
