Black Watch
Main St. Grille & Brewing Company

 

This is a very unique "Scotch" ale. Don't expect the heavy, caramel, malty character of a traditional Scotch ale. Black Watch is much lighter in body, smooth, and malty with a slightly peat smoke finish. Heather and sweet gale add a bit of spicy bitterness to balance the malt. I've had 2 other Heather ales and Black Watch will give them both a run for their money. Truly an amazing brew.

The last of my flight at the brewpub, a Scottish ale brewed with a bit of peat and heather.

A: The Scottish ale is a tawny copper color, brilliant but dull in my glass. Another no- or little-head offering, seems to be a trend at Main St.

S: The ale has a full, malty aroma that is rich and soothing. A welcome respite after a long-drive to the brewpub. Smokey aromas are evident but not the centerpiece of the ale, just a strong companion aroma.

T: The ale is pleasantly malty, warming and filling from the first sip, a comfort ale if you will. The malty aromas are rich and concentrated, as the 8.2% price tag implies. A mild smokey flavor contrasts with the malts from the middle of each sip to the end, a contrast that does the ale well. The heather mentioned as being a component adds little more than a floral hop-like flavor around the 75% mark. While the ale is full, I'd never peg it as being this full.

M: What's there not to like about a rich Scottish ale? The malts, the smoke, the floral extras, all are paired nicely. A fitting last beer.

D: The strength, while evident, never seems as strong as it really is. That's dangerous but what a way to go. I miss the brewpub already...