Wee Heavy
Belhaven Brewery Company Ltd.
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- Style:
- Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy
Ranked #18 - ABV:
- 6.5%
- Score:
- 91
Ranked #4,023 - Avg:
- 4.09 | pDev: 11.49%
- Reviews:
- 576
- Ratings:
- From:
- Belhaven Brewery Company Ltd.
- Scotland, United Kingdom
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 119
- Gots
- 112
SCORE
91
Outstanding
91
Outstanding
Notes:
Reviews: 576
| Ratings: 1,091
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Reviews by burnerfinger:
burnerfinger from Texas
4.91/5 rDev +20%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
really one of the best I've tried.
Bought this just because I liked the name - "Wee " heavy made me think of Groundskeeper Willie from the simpsons. OMG what a surprise:
A Khaki head settles to a thin film, leaving no lacing at all
ULtra clear when held to a light - and the color made reminds me of rosewood
S a touch of sweet caramel, and a touch of the "skunk" weed I smoked in my twenties.
T HOORAY! nicely complex caramel with a piney hops touch. LOVE this.
M solid body
D ultra fine - sip in order to fully appreciate the beauty of this GEM.
Jun 04, 2015
4.91/5 rDev +20%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
really one of the best I've tried.
Bought this just because I liked the name - "Wee " heavy made me think of Groundskeeper Willie from the simpsons. OMG what a surprise:
A Khaki head settles to a thin film, leaving no lacing at all
ULtra clear when held to a light - and the color made reminds me of rosewood
S a touch of sweet caramel, and a touch of the "skunk" weed I smoked in my twenties.
T HOORAY! nicely complex caramel with a piney hops touch. LOVE this.
M solid body
D ultra fine - sip in order to fully appreciate the beauty of this GEM.
Jun 04, 2015
More User Reviews:
brentk56 from North Carolina
4.02/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Appearance: Pours a auburn colored liquid with a modest off-white head that leaves drabs of lacing
Smell: Dark dried fruits, caramel and butterscotch; and a bit of earthiness
Taste: Starts out with a strong roasted malt tone that provides a backbone for some other developments; after about five seconds the caramel sweetness is overtaken by a deep smokey, peaty bitterness that lasts for a while and then fades as the sweet malts return to the front; after the swallow, as the alcohol warms up your throat, the taste just continues to linger
Mouthfeel: Medium/full bodied with just a tad of carbonation
Drinkability: Very nice; this one's a keeper.
Oct 30, 2004
4.02/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Appearance: Pours a auburn colored liquid with a modest off-white head that leaves drabs of lacing
Smell: Dark dried fruits, caramel and butterscotch; and a bit of earthiness
Taste: Starts out with a strong roasted malt tone that provides a backbone for some other developments; after about five seconds the caramel sweetness is overtaken by a deep smokey, peaty bitterness that lasts for a while and then fades as the sweet malts return to the front; after the swallow, as the alcohol warms up your throat, the taste just continues to linger
Mouthfeel: Medium/full bodied with just a tad of carbonation
Drinkability: Very nice; this one's a keeper.
Oct 30, 2004
Justin23060 from Virginia
4.5/5 rDev +10%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours dark brown (amber highlights) w/ light beige head. Head stuck around till the end. Smell is all malt w/ some caramel chocolate and no hops. Taste is a nice sweet (not fake or over sweet) malt. Ends semi sweet. Kinda tastes like a stronger sweeter English brown. A great Wee Heavy but lacks the dried fruit that I prefer. I wouldn't have any problems recommending it to any malt lover. Try it with some pepperjack cheese and you won't be disappointed.
Oct 16, 2011
4.5/5 rDev +10%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours dark brown (amber highlights) w/ light beige head. Head stuck around till the end. Smell is all malt w/ some caramel chocolate and no hops. Taste is a nice sweet (not fake or over sweet) malt. Ends semi sweet. Kinda tastes like a stronger sweeter English brown. A great Wee Heavy but lacks the dried fruit that I prefer. I wouldn't have any problems recommending it to any malt lover. Try it with some pepperjack cheese and you won't be disappointed.
Oct 16, 2011
oracle from Indiana
3.46/5 rDev -15.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Overall, I liked this beer, but something I just can't quite put my finger on was lacking.
Beer was deep amber with dense tan head the left moderate lacing.
Taste way typical scotch ale malt, hints of plum. Strong alochol presence. Maybe I was expecting a stronger finish from a wee heavy.
I did like this ale, just not as much as some others I've had in the category
Nov 02, 2004
3.46/5 rDev -15.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Overall, I liked this beer, but something I just can't quite put my finger on was lacking.
Beer was deep amber with dense tan head the left moderate lacing.
Taste way typical scotch ale malt, hints of plum. Strong alochol presence. Maybe I was expecting a stronger finish from a wee heavy.
I did like this ale, just not as much as some others I've had in the category
Nov 02, 2004
Squelch from Texas
3.5/5 rDev -14.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2
A: Reddish brown with an off white thick creamy head.
S: Smells of rich caramel and toffee. No hop aroma.
T: Sweet Sweet malt flavor with some toasted notes. Mostly toffee and caramel sweetness. Lots of unfermentables in here mask the alcohol (no hotness). No hop flavor or bitterness evident (at least for me)
M: Heavy beer. Fits style.
D: Great sipping beer but not a real drinkable one (as in quantity or as a house beer)
Nov 25, 2007
3.5/5 rDev -14.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2
A: Reddish brown with an off white thick creamy head.
S: Smells of rich caramel and toffee. No hop aroma.
T: Sweet Sweet malt flavor with some toasted notes. Mostly toffee and caramel sweetness. Lots of unfermentables in here mask the alcohol (no hotness). No hop flavor or bitterness evident (at least for me)
M: Heavy beer. Fits style.
D: Great sipping beer but not a real drinkable one (as in quantity or as a house beer)
Nov 25, 2007
Greasy from Kentucky
4.15/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
May 28, 2015
4.15/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
May 28, 2015
meathookjones from Virginia
4.03/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This poured out a dark mahogany color almost brown, with a light tan head that was slow to form but got up to a good size. Rings of lace were left around the glass as this was consumed and tiny bubbles that kept the head fed and alive for a good while. The aroma smelled of dark ripe fruits and a rich maltiness. The taste was similar as sweet dark fruits came first before a more subtle chocolate toffee malt flavor that lingered a bit in the aftertaste. There was a slight bit of hop detected but not much, there was enough their to keep the sweetness balanced nicely. Rich creamy mouthfeel with a medium-full body added greatly to the overall experience. Very drinkable stuff here as the alcohol was not detectable or too high to keep a few of these from going down. Great example of the style that I recommend to all.
Aug 16, 2004
4.03/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This poured out a dark mahogany color almost brown, with a light tan head that was slow to form but got up to a good size. Rings of lace were left around the glass as this was consumed and tiny bubbles that kept the head fed and alive for a good while. The aroma smelled of dark ripe fruits and a rich maltiness. The taste was similar as sweet dark fruits came first before a more subtle chocolate toffee malt flavor that lingered a bit in the aftertaste. There was a slight bit of hop detected but not much, there was enough their to keep the sweetness balanced nicely. Rich creamy mouthfeel with a medium-full body added greatly to the overall experience. Very drinkable stuff here as the alcohol was not detectable or too high to keep a few of these from going down. Great example of the style that I recommend to all.
Aug 16, 2004
phantomwyse from Massachusetts
3.71/5 rDev -9.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Stained mahogany with twelve layers of varnish. Light khaki head that yields well spackled lacing.
S: Grape, cranberry, bread with brown sugar.
T: Soft dark fruit flavors with heavy oak and a touch of smokiness with an undercurrent of sweetness pulsing through the whole beer.
M: Dry and medium bodied that leaves you thirsting for another sip before you put the glass down.
D: Monet had paint, Mozart had his piano, Belhaven has malt.
Jan 10, 2009
3.71/5 rDev -9.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Stained mahogany with twelve layers of varnish. Light khaki head that yields well spackled lacing.
S: Grape, cranberry, bread with brown sugar.
T: Soft dark fruit flavors with heavy oak and a touch of smokiness with an undercurrent of sweetness pulsing through the whole beer.
M: Dry and medium bodied that leaves you thirsting for another sip before you put the glass down.
D: Monet had paint, Mozart had his piano, Belhaven has malt.
Jan 10, 2009
wpreynolds from New Jersey
4/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Jul 21, 2016
4/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Jul 21, 2016
jgunther71 from Illinois
4/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Jun 12, 2015
4/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Jun 12, 2015
DrJay from Texas
4.25/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Clear dark red beer with a thin off-white head that reduced to a delicate lace after a couple of minutes. Malty sweet aroma with some ripe fruitiness apparent when the beer is agitated. Fruitiness is evident in the flavour, primarily of black cherries. The almost vinous sweetness is nicely balanced by a light hop bitterness. Light alcohol flavour and warming with a bit of a bite on the tongue. Medium/heavy body and medium/light carbonation with a smooth creamy texture.
Brown 500 mL bottle with freshness date on rear label.
Oct 11, 2004
4.25/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Clear dark red beer with a thin off-white head that reduced to a delicate lace after a couple of minutes. Malty sweet aroma with some ripe fruitiness apparent when the beer is agitated. Fruitiness is evident in the flavour, primarily of black cherries. The almost vinous sweetness is nicely balanced by a light hop bitterness. Light alcohol flavour and warming with a bit of a bite on the tongue. Medium/heavy body and medium/light carbonation with a smooth creamy texture.
Brown 500 mL bottle with freshness date on rear label.
Oct 11, 2004
orangemoustache from Illinois
4.3/5 rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
This pours a rich crimson amber with a extra tall almond head that has outstanding hang time leaving behind jumbo sized sheets of lace as it slowly drops,but never goes away completely.The nose is slightly smokey and has hints of scotch as well as caramel and roasted malt.Caramel again right upfront on the tounge followed by smoked oak barrel flavors that go right along with the Scotch flavors,tho the alcohol is well hidden,but not forgotten in its subtlety.The body is full,but lighter than I expected,nice and smoothe,but I'm not so sure thats what I wanted from this heavy hitter.This is a top notch Scotch Ale.
May 26, 2008
4.3/5 rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
This pours a rich crimson amber with a extra tall almond head that has outstanding hang time leaving behind jumbo sized sheets of lace as it slowly drops,but never goes away completely.The nose is slightly smokey and has hints of scotch as well as caramel and roasted malt.Caramel again right upfront on the tounge followed by smoked oak barrel flavors that go right along with the Scotch flavors,tho the alcohol is well hidden,but not forgotten in its subtlety.The body is full,but lighter than I expected,nice and smoothe,but I'm not so sure thats what I wanted from this heavy hitter.This is a top notch Scotch Ale.
May 26, 2008
mcrawford from Michigan
4.21/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Dec 28, 2014
4.21/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Dec 28, 2014
OStrungT from California
3.85/5 rDev -5.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This beer pours a clear ruby red color. The head is tan. It fades fast, leaving very few laces.
This beer has a good malty aroma. I detect a nutty aroma. Caramel is present also. It has a slight woody scent to it. The aroma is a little hard to sort out.
This beer tastes sweet. It is malty. Slightly nutty. Caramel flavor is slightly present. There is not much hop flavor.
This beer goes down smooth, leaving a malty sweet aftertaste. This beer is slightly thin. It is carbonated well.
I think this beer would be a good session beer. It is not high in alcohol, so that wouldnt be a problem. Also, the flavor is not overly aggressive. I dont know how much I care for this beer. The flavor is sort of boring. It is worth a try though.
Feb 01, 2006
3.85/5 rDev -5.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This beer pours a clear ruby red color. The head is tan. It fades fast, leaving very few laces.
This beer has a good malty aroma. I detect a nutty aroma. Caramel is present also. It has a slight woody scent to it. The aroma is a little hard to sort out.
This beer tastes sweet. It is malty. Slightly nutty. Caramel flavor is slightly present. There is not much hop flavor.
This beer goes down smooth, leaving a malty sweet aftertaste. This beer is slightly thin. It is carbonated well.
I think this beer would be a good session beer. It is not high in alcohol, so that wouldnt be a problem. Also, the flavor is not overly aggressive. I dont know how much I care for this beer. The flavor is sort of boring. It is worth a try though.
Feb 01, 2006
DoubleJ from Wisconsin
3.48/5 rDev -14.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Half-liter bottle consumed with dinner and poured into a chalice. On to the beer:
Attractive bronzish-like color on the pour, but more of a mix of ruby red and brown. The head is ample on top. Solid aroma to be found, some plums, sweet malt, and a kick of booze. Upon tasting it, I was caught by surprise. Big whisky barrel flavor with sharp alcohol poking through. It's the most dominant flavor in the beer. Hint of figs. Toffee emerges as the beer warms, but remains subtle. The body is nothing to get excited about, thin enough to create problems...such as the somewhat messy booze in the taste.
How odd....this is one of the lightest Wee Heavy's I've had, and it turns out to be the booziest in flavor. It's still a solid beer, try it out if you're into the style.
Oct 21, 2008
3.48/5 rDev -14.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Half-liter bottle consumed with dinner and poured into a chalice. On to the beer:
Attractive bronzish-like color on the pour, but more of a mix of ruby red and brown. The head is ample on top. Solid aroma to be found, some plums, sweet malt, and a kick of booze. Upon tasting it, I was caught by surprise. Big whisky barrel flavor with sharp alcohol poking through. It's the most dominant flavor in the beer. Hint of figs. Toffee emerges as the beer warms, but remains subtle. The body is nothing to get excited about, thin enough to create problems...such as the somewhat messy booze in the taste.
How odd....this is one of the lightest Wee Heavy's I've had, and it turns out to be the booziest in flavor. It's still a solid beer, try it out if you're into the style.
Oct 21, 2008
MuddyMcGinny from New Jersey
4.65/5 rDev +13.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Hard pour from a bottle into a English nonic pint glass.
Dark crimson, garnet color with golden head. Angry carbonation at first, two finger head hung around a bit. On first nose spicey and robust with smoked wood and a faint cumin-type smell(?). A bit of a crisp bite on the tongue at first but then the malt, rosted barley, caramel/molasses/butterscotch sweetness rounds out the barrage of flavors. Perfect blend of spice and sweets. Perfect with grilled meat at a winter football tailgate!
No doubt one of the finest brews on the planet in my opinion. If you find a Wee Heavy stock up and share!
Nov 29, 2010
4.65/5 rDev +13.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Hard pour from a bottle into a English nonic pint glass.
Dark crimson, garnet color with golden head. Angry carbonation at first, two finger head hung around a bit. On first nose spicey and robust with smoked wood and a faint cumin-type smell(?). A bit of a crisp bite on the tongue at first but then the malt, rosted barley, caramel/molasses/butterscotch sweetness rounds out the barrage of flavors. Perfect blend of spice and sweets. Perfect with grilled meat at a winter football tailgate!
No doubt one of the finest brews on the planet in my opinion. If you find a Wee Heavy stock up and share!
Nov 29, 2010
connecticutpoet from Connecticut
4.42/5 rDev +8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
This one was a good one from the word go. It was a nice, very deep red color with a short head that dissolved rather quickly into a delicate ring of lace.
The aroma was of rich, sweet, slightly musty malt, with a touch of maple and some fruitiness. The alcohol aroma was there, but very subdued.
That was very close to the taste as well. The taste was rich and sweet, yet with a touch of roasted malt as well. It was bitter, which faded quickly to a fruity aftertaste.
Overall, an excellent example of a fine Scottish ale.
Jun 26, 2004
4.42/5 rDev +8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
This one was a good one from the word go. It was a nice, very deep red color with a short head that dissolved rather quickly into a delicate ring of lace.
The aroma was of rich, sweet, slightly musty malt, with a touch of maple and some fruitiness. The alcohol aroma was there, but very subdued.
That was very close to the taste as well. The taste was rich and sweet, yet with a touch of roasted malt as well. It was bitter, which faded quickly to a fruity aftertaste.
Overall, an excellent example of a fine Scottish ale.
Jun 26, 2004
mjurney from Texas
4.85/5 rDev +18.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Appearance:
Deep copper color, clear. Some carbonation. Small frothy head.
Aroma:
Malty, caramel, toasted, touch of fruit.
Taste:
Lots of malt character up front. Rich caramel, toasted, just a touch of nutty and wood. Slight hint of hop bitterness towards end. Full bodied, yet very soft and smooth.
Dec 25, 2011
4.85/5 rDev +18.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Appearance:
Deep copper color, clear. Some carbonation. Small frothy head.
Aroma:
Malty, caramel, toasted, touch of fruit.
Taste:
Lots of malt character up front. Rich caramel, toasted, just a touch of nutty and wood. Slight hint of hop bitterness towards end. Full bodied, yet very soft and smooth.
Dec 25, 2011
Wee Heavy from Belhaven Brewery Company Ltd.
Beer rating:
91 out of
100 with
1091 ratings
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