Scotch Ale
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

 

A: crystal clear; deep amber in color - almost a little brown tinge; 1+ finger tan head that receded slowly to a thin cap; very nice lacing;

S: sweet malt; earthy; a hint of citrus;

T: sweet malt throughout; a little peat and a hint of smoke in the middle; a little spice at the end with mild bitterness;

M: medium bodied; moderate carbonation - a little creamy;

O: easy drinking;

 

 

 

 

Enjoyed on-tap at the Public House in Orlando. Sierra Nevada is one of the more consistent breweries out there in my opinion so I was excited to try this offering. Overall, this is a solid scotch ale with a nice malty base. Good stuff!

 

 

Poured on draft at the local shop.

A: Pours a fairly clear medium brown win two finger dense light tan head that lasts a good couple of minutes and leaves plenty of lacing.

S: Caramel, toffee, and brown sugar mixed with bready malts and a light smokiness.

T: Burnt sugars, biscuit malts, and a slight smokey note with an almost peaty component. Pleasantly surprised to see that the sweetness is well controlled.

M: Medium body and average carbonation. Texture and feel are more characteristic of a brown ale.

O: Nice refreshing beer. Easily drinkable, and nice flavor combinations. They should bottle this one.

Very smooth. Not too rich. Great feel/taste.

 

 

Excellent, thick mouthfeel, and not anywhere near as hoppy as one would expect a brew from Sierra Nevada.

 

On tap at the Tap and Mallet in Rochester, NY.

This one pours a dark reddish-brown, fairly bright, almost purplish in a weird light. There's a foamy long lasting head, about half an inch, and lots of lacing.

This smells slightly smoky, with some dark fruits, tobacco, caramel, and brown sugar.

This is a really nice scotch ale. I like that it takes a smokey route, rather than a simply just sweet malt route. A little peaty, with some light smoke, a bit of dark breadiness, some caramel, and rounded out with tobacco and lots of dark fruit- plum and raisin. Really dug this one.

This is medium bodied, with a bready, and slightly syrupy mouthfeel- luckily not too much. Normal carbonation level.

This is really nice- I would've expected Sierra Nevada to crush the style, as they do everything else.

 

Appearance: Medium deep ruby with dark edges, solid head and lacing.

Aroma/Flavor: Aroma is a bit sweeter with the flavor more savory rich roasted nut, melanoidin, touch of smoke.

Mouthfeel: Medium+ bodied, touch roast.