Highlander 80/-
Middle Ages Brewing Co., Ltd.

a very good beer. very malty with a touch of a gentle hop bite.

L: a thick light brown color with a small beige head that leaves light lacing
S: Malty, roasty with caramel, dark chocolate, dark fruits past ripeness, and a hint of peat that adds a nice smokiness, but not without just a twinge of mild astringency
T: Solid, malty and bready with caramel, toast, and coffee notes along with the smoke and just a vague note of leafy hops into the finish
F: Medium in body, smooth but finishing a little flat

 

On tap at the brewery. Pours dark brown with beige head and nice lacing. Aroma is of herbal hops, toasted malt, dark fruit and coffee. Body is medium and slightly crisp. Taste is similar to aroma Finish is long and bittersweet. OK brew.

On tap at the source, a little flat, had the trace of head not been there I'd assume it was cask conditioned. Drinks fairly light for a scotch, almost like a pale scotch ale. Smooth and crisp, perfect for an autumn evening aside a crackling fire.

From the brewery. A little flat, but very drinkable.

 

 

Middle Ages Brewery has a great tasting room that makes each of their flavors very accessible. This scottish ale has some great thanksgiving taste qualities that made it my choice for a thanksgiving beer out of everything else for offer.

The beer has a solid Scottish Ale look, an earthy brown color, but unfortunately does not have much carbonation and lacks a welcoming head.

The aroma is underwhelming with mature pecan and walnut aromas and earthen moss qualities. The mouth feel affects the middle and back of the palate predominately with flavors that match the aroma predictably and a leaves a filing residue.

Overall, the beer is a worthwhile purchase and the welcoming brewery tasting room makes this hometown beer a worthwhile purchase.

 

 

 

 

There is little or no head over this hazy, dark, wet hay beer. This pint glass collects little to no lacing.

Highlander 80 smells of dusty butterscotch and some toffee with a touch of orange citrus.

Very light sweetness of white bread and over-ripe melon with some, but barely any, bitterness. The finish is long and building with light bitterness.

Smooth, with a light to medium body, this is a dry beer with only a hint of carbonation.

Highlander 80 is a thirst quencher and a respectable beer, worthy of trying. However, with so many other options, I'll leave this one in the past.

My first cask ale experience was interesting; however, I will have to try other examples to better understand the draw of this serving type. Hopefully this was either a tired beer, or simply a poor example. In my opinion, this more closely resembled an ESB than a Scottish Ale.

Relatively clear looking light brown but with a dark, deep opaque cylinder of thickness in the middle part of the glass. Big heavy head with a light brown tinge. Looks stagnant -- in a good way. Lace sticks right to the glass.

The smell is a pungent, alcohol heavy Scottish ale aroma. Thick malty scent of a porter, but with none of the usual coffee. Minor hosp. Roasted, thick malt aroma. Sweet caramel accent.

The taste is thick, roasted Scottish malt. Some sweetness, like caramel. Has a tangy punch. The ringwood yeast is a terrific compliment and emerges more as it warms up. The burnt malt and sweet caramel candy are great together.

Feels thick like motor oil. Very smooth. No fizzy bubbles that come with some Scottish ales. Leaves a sweet film on the tongue. It's one of my favorite Scottish ales. Balanced and unusually smooth.

Bought a growler at the brewery.

Poured into a nonic.

Pours a rich ruby brown with a nice khaki colored two finger head that slowly dies down to a thin layer that lasts throughout. Lacing is great, holds on all over. Smell is that wonderful Middle Ages ringwood yeast with a sweet caramel malt and a tiny bit of a citrusy hop in the nose as well. Very powerful which seems to be a staple for all of MA beers. Taste is a wonderful sweet nutty malt with a good amount of caramel flavors. Ringwood actually isn't as powerful as I thought it would be on the tongue. Creamy woody notes seem to be present as well. Smooth and thick medium bodied with a mild carbonation bite. I was very surprised with this beer, good work Middle Ages. Maybe bottle this one?

On cask at the Pzza Plant on Main,poured a rich deep copper/amber with a creamy well formed tannish colored head atop.Mild fruity aromas with a touch of brown sugar and smokiness,oh so drinkable very smooth on the engine and enough flavor to warrant a hight drinkability rating,somewhat fruity and lighty sweet just great balance and a lingering smoky finish just makes you want more.A quaffable easy drinking flavorful lighter Scottish ale great on the hand pump.

Deep hazy brown, with a creamy, dense, parchment-colored head. Decent lacing. Sweet caramel malt scent, with accents of melon, berries, and peat. Light body (lighter than expected, at least). Caramel apple sweet/tart combo flavor. Malty for sure, but far from cloying. Vinous berry fruits and subtle roastiness lead to a satisfying and unexpected bready malt finish. Slight peat smoke in the aftertaste. Very slight, almost completely unnoticeable leafy hop flavor in the burps. Smooth, with low carbonation. In all, a very good cask mouthfeel. Great session ale for those who want classic, traditional, full-flavored ale without any hoppiness. For me, very reminiscent of Middle Ages Duke of Winship without the porter aspects.

An interesting, mildly complex scottish ale that has the capability to warn the soul.
Pours a dark mahogony-cherry colour with a thick frothy white head. Lace spiderwebs around the glass.
The aroma is that of cherries, chocolate and the slightest raison scent. The taste almost mirrors the smell perfectly. Strong chocolate covered cherry feel.
A nice beer to enjoy once in a while. Too much for a session beer.

Growler from the brewery:

Thick, foamy, light brown colored head leaves lots of stringy lace. Dark, transparent, mahogany colored beer with a caramel hue. Mild caramel malt and butterscotch aroma. Flavor is solidly on the malt side and moderately sweet. Caramel malt again and a bid dose of butterscotch. There's a barely bitter, hop tea flavor underneath. Soft mouthfeel on this moderately thick bodied beer. Easy drinking, malty beer.