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You are here: Home --> Forum Home --> General Forum --> Homebrewed Beer Reviews --> Strong Scotch ale by Vinpaysdoc

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homebrewdad
Charter Member
Birmingham, AL
2480 Posts


I get a moderate hiss upon opening.  Poured into a pint glass.

Appearance: pours a clear, rich brown with nice ruby highlights.  There is a very thin light tan cap of foam that utterly melts right away.  No lacing is left behind.

Aroma: deep, strong malt, lots of caramel.  A fair amount of smoky earthiness, and alcohol is definitely perceptible.

Flavor: rich maltiness, quite sweet up front.  Sweetness lasts until the very finish, where it dries enough to avoid stickiness.  Lots of caramel, a little nonspecific fruitiness, a touch of that earthy smokiness I get from the aroma; smooth smoky/roasty is more apparent near the finish.  Very deep, complex flavor... seriously, there is a TON going on here.  Bitterness level is quite low, hops are an afterthought, but a little alcohol flavor provides a really nice counterpoint to the sweetness.

Mouthfeel: full, viscous, close to chewy.  Carbonation level is lower than I would like, but there is a smooth, pleasant alcohol warmth that I'm enjoying.

Overall: Greg, this is a SUPERB sipper.  My first sip made me think it would be too sweet, and I normally don't like to be able to pick up on the alcohol... but the two really play well.  Aroma is complex and layered, flavor even more so. 

I feel like the carbonation level was a little low... though, as you know, I probably enjoy my beers a tad overcarbed, so what do I know?  Then again, the BJCP guidelines suggest moderate carbonation is appropriate, and that the beer ought to have a "large" head, though they allow for no persistence. 





Posted 34 days ago.
Edited 34 days ago by homebrewdad

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