(Wee) Heavy

Scotch style ale is a blessed rarity. Not too many breweries endeavor to make their own variation, and those that do generally do an amazing job. With the exception of one ill fated super sour bottle of Moylans‘ Kilt Lifter, which seemed a bit past its prime, every time an opened bottle has the word “scotch” on it has been greedily devoured by our booze parched throats. Alesmith’s Wee Heavy is exactly what it claims to be: scotch style ale. What lies within the flawless packaging of this $7.99 wonder is akin to The Clash playing Junior Murvin’s “Police and Thieves,” or Kim Gordon singing Iggy Pop: the perfect cover. This is not an attempt at making archetypal scotch ale, instead there is a righteous conciliation of old and new. Alesmith makes intensely high-octane beers: this is McEwen’s on really pristine speed.This brew tastes looks almost like a porter in the glass: deep and limitless with glints of red trying to escape the void. The flavors are familiar to both the roots and the revision. The distinct sweet caramel and molasses flavors that sent us back to our first taste of Scotch Ale pre-empt strong roasted malts and an aftertaste that is equally alcoholic and complex…weed ghee and whiskey in front of a parlor fire.Heavy.
Dairy Pairy: Cave Aged Gruyere
Soundtrack: The Slits’ “Heard It Through the Grapevine”