(Wee) Heavy

By Hot Knives from January 10, 2007

weeheavy.jpg

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"

<< | Posted on January 10, 2007 at 10:17 PM | >>

Comments (3):

Just got back from a beer weekend in SD and this was one of the best ones I had (along with the Ballast Point Victory by Sea Imperial Porter and Port's Black Lie IPA).

Great blog, by the way. I don't eat meat and I fucking love beer, so I'll be paying attention.

Posted by Beer Retard @ March 6, 2007 1:20 PM

Retard,

Whoever your travel agent is has excellent taste. We've found Ballast Point brews a mixed-bag, but will seek the porter out. Haven't had Black Lie, what its deal? Of course, every other IPA that Port Brewing makes and there's close to 8 of them (especially Wipeout) is a winner.

Stay tuned and in touch!
HK

Posted by EVAN @ March 6, 2007 1:29 PM

The Black Lie was done for the Liar's Club 7th Anniversary. It's a black IPA, which is something I've never seen before. Hoppy as hell but with a bit of that roasted malt flavor. I think someone called it a hopped up schwarzbier. Really good.

Posted by Beer Retard @ March 6, 2007 1:47 PM

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