Saint André Doug's Scotch Ale
Saint André

I had this at the Volo Cask fest, Oct. 22, 2005.

Brewed by Doug Pengelly, founder of Saint André Brewing. He has worked for Upper Canada, C'est What (brewpub), and graduated from the master brewers program at UC Davis. I believe this was contract-brewed by the Stratford Brewing. He currently has his Vienna lager brewed at Cool Brewing, Burlington, Ontario.

As far as I know this was a one-off, but I wouldn't be suprised if it becomes available.

T: Sweet and syrupy, with a deep, complex maltyness. Unfortunately, it did seem a little green (young)... with a little time, it'd probably be a little more rounded/integrated, and not quite as sweet. Some underlying alcholic-warmth, but very well hidden.

M: Moderate to heavy body, syrupy.

D: Big & bold, but I found it a little rough around the edges, and not an easy drinker.

This was definitely an interesting offering for Volo Cask Days, since the brewer's mainstay is a Vienna lager. Muddy brown colour (it hadn't quite cleared yet) with a pleasant toffee aroma combined with a hint of floral hops. Malty backbone with rich caramel flavour and a light bitterness. Hop character contributed somewhat, but was still overshadowed by sweetness. A little more than medium body, off-dry, decent texture. Overall, a nice malty brew, but more time in the cask would have resulted in a bit more balance. I wouldn't mind seeing this one again.

Good aroma and scotch colour, easy mouthfeel. Medium mouthfeel. Nice nartural carbonation bubbles. Volo Cask Day II. Nice roast-chicory, easy drink. Good choice for cask.Nice change-of-pace for Ste. Andre, who contract brews a Vienna as their mainstay.