Introduction

Scotch Ale was the name given to strong pale ale from Edinburgh in the 19th century. This was typical of the strong pale ales brewed in Britain at that time - mainly pale barley malt and moderate hopping and were not that stylistically different to English Strong Ales or Barley Wines. The name however became regionalised so that strong pale ale from Scotland became known as a Scotch Ale or Wee Heavy. Examples of beers brewed in the USA and Canada under the name Wee Heavy tend to be 7% ABV and higher, while Scottish brewed examples are typically between 5.5% and 6.5% ABV.

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How it looks

Pours a clear deep, dark mahogany with a bubbly tan head that dissipates fairly quickly.

How it smells

Smells of light and dry caramel, bready malts, brown sugar and a hint of dried, dark fruit.

How it tastes

Bursting with sweet caramel and toffee, this beer has an abundance of bready malt on the palate with a soft touch of dark fruit, namely raisins, and earthiness. Medium-bodied with soft carbonation and a dry finish. The caramel and bready malt notes and rounded, dry finish on this beer make it a great winter sipper.

Recommended food pairing

Pecan pie and sticky toffee pudding are both beautifully complemented by this Scottish ale. So are funky, rich cheeses such as cambozola (a triple cream, brie-style blue cheese is a cross between Camembert and Gorgonzola).

Persephone Wee Heavy Tasting Card