Scotch Ale
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery

 

Another special brew in their recent series of limited brews found at Rock Bottom's in Campbell, CA this is a dark root beer colored brew with a splotchy light tan bubbly cap and good lacing. The stuff smells of vague citrus and licorice. Very odd, not sure what to think, not bad, but very weak. The flavor comes out with much more authority, raisin licorice and grapefruit-lemon tart. There's a hint of smoke and bright malt prevails. It's near medium bodied with a tiny but notably tingly carbonation for a pretty lively feel despite some wateriness. It's moderately drinkable. The flavor does approach a somewhat liquor quality that makes me enjoy the taste a bit while not inviting a long visit. It definitely suggests scotch at times with some suggestion of maple sugar and vanilla.