Scottish Ale
Flat Branch Pub & Brewery

I thought I would update the situation with the Scottish Ale at Flat Branch. The beer that Maxpower sampled was a staple of the previous brewer’s repertoire. It was served on the beer engine and I would generally agree with his comments on that beer.
Sadly, that brew is gone. In its place is an occasional release ale that is completely different in style and is, well, pretty simple.

Appearance: Brown and fairly clear – dark amber if held up to light. Minimal head and lacing.

Aroma: Faint, sweet malt. Not much else.

Taste: The aroma says it all – understated, sweet malt with the slightest suggestions of caramel, chocolate, and brown sugar. No smokiness, no peat, no hop balance. No fun.

Mouthfeel: Decent. A hint of viscosity, with an appropriate carbonation level for the style.

Drinkability: If you’re in the mood for a simple beer, it’s easy to quaff one of these. After that, I suspect you will be bored and move on….

Pours a cloudy, copper/golden color. 1/2 inch head of a white color. Poor retention and poor lacing. Smells of sweet malt, alcohol, and a general sweetness prevails. Fits the style of a Scottish Ale. Mouth feel is smooth and crisp with an average carbonation level. Tastes of sweet malt, slight roasted malt, earthy grain, and an alcohol flavor that gets stronger as it warms. Overall, a very smooth, well bodied, and not overly sweet brew. I'd recommend this brew.

Dark brown almost black in color, has a small creamy tan head. Roasty malty light smokey aroma, sweet and malty nutty-coffee flavor, some smokieness, nice burnt bitter finish. Thick and full bodied, creamy, full and somewhat syrupy mouthfeel, this is a pretty strong ale, very good.