Free The Hikers
Earth Bread + Brewery

First had: on tap at Earth Bread, Mt. Airy, PA

A pretty well-balanced Scotch ale, just a tad more sweet and watery then I prefer. It was still good, but slightly weaker than the similar beers of the style.

Poured dark reddish-brown, with a small white head. Malts and sugars in the nose, and so also in the taste. Sweet sugars, some dark fruits in there, and some alcohol. No hops and no bitterness. As previously mentioned, a bit watery for the style. Medium body, not too strong, somewhat drinkable, but I was good after one glass.

Is there such a thing as an American style Scotch Ale? I was in Scotland this past August and didn't taste anything like the "Scotch" ales I find over here. They mostly had lighter session ales just about everywhere I went. Shame, too, because I really like the Scotch ales here in the U.S.

The Free The Hikers brew is very much like the majority of ones I've sampled here. In general, how I would say this particular one deviated from what I've come to accept and expect is the slightly bold, smoky taste. The color was on the darker side and the mouthfeel was similar the other brews I had at EBB - smooth and very drinkable. Therefore, try it.

On-Tap at Earth Bread for the free the hikers fundraising event happening throughout January 2010 at the brewery. My classmate Josh and his friends were detained around the Iranian border for around five months now, please sign the petition, www.freethehikers.org. Thx 4 the support.

A- FTH is a dark ol' ale with a cola soda like look in liquid with very close to black color that cant be intruded by light. A nice very small half cap of light tan head sprung up and sprung down my brother. No lacing on this one though, oh well, next time.

S- Big, Big, malts that just take up the whole spectrum. I mean I can say that some hop sense comes into play but it's more of a afterthought. Caramel and some slight toffee with some dark fruit and a dash of vanilla.

T- A big malty sweet Scotch style that does not weigh you down, in other terms it's not Southern Tier type sweet, in fact a bit lighter than most wee's i've had but it's there. It's a wee-heavy, caramel is all up in this but some dark fruits come out as well as a touch of coffee, but no chocolate. This is a malty, brew don't expect any type of bitterness. Vanilla with warming, pretty str8 forward.

M-D- The feel is smooth with a apparent sweetness that comes with the style. Medium bodied and not watery in the least bit. The feel is at a level where it and the sweetness does not cloy and makes for a easy drinker, depending how you want to drink at the moment. Carb is low and muted but is felt. This is easy drinking but could become a chore after two or so. Either way I enjoyed this wee- heavy and I felt it in more way's than one, please check out freethehikers.org and sign the treaty baby,(c-chappelle).