Shire Ale
Hopshire Farm & Brewery

Pours the color of deep molasses with a thin white head that fades quickly. Aroma is sweet grains and perhaps dark fruits. Taste is sweet and malty, also a touch of nutty, low bitterness. Feel is very nice, smooth and thick with an easy finish. Overall it's a nice version of a Scotch Ale, perhaps not as earthy/peaty as others, but easy to drink.

 

 

Neutral brown--light enough for light to pass in the center. Nearly no head which leaves very little lace on the glass.

Strong chocolate nose with mild cream.

The aforementioned comes through as flavors. I also get some blackberry sweetness. There's a touch of peat smoke if one breathes through the beer. Relatively light body for the style. Good carbonation. There's some alcohol warmth in the aftertaste.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A: Dark brown in color with a thick, creamy head when poured from a growler that dissipates slowly.

S: Solid malt nose, some sweetness and esters linger as the beer settles.

T: This beer starts with strong, sweet malt flavors that match the nose. Distinctly bold European dark ale flavors follow, likely from the traditional malt or yeast used.

M: Very creamy in the mouth typical of the addition of oats. Not overly thick but definitely hearty.

O: A good representation of a traditional Scottish ale style. Not nearly as strong as many of the recent Wee Heavy offerings from other breweries but still a strong, hearty beer.