Pictavia
Allagash Brewing Company

A Belgian-inspired take on the Wee Heavy Scotch Ale. Let's think about that fusion.

In the meantime, let me review Pictavia (which is an earlier name for Scotland.)
Poured appropriately into an Ommegang glass (that is a thistle/Scottish tulip) that says "Where brewing is an art and partaking is a passion. Belgian style brewing in America." Of course, this is true of Allagash also. (I've just not been able to buy a cool glass from them.)

Pictavia has decent Looks in a less-than-decent style for Looks (it is usually opaque and marginal foam.) However, Pictavia has very good Smells in a style known for the aromatic fruity, malty. But, the barrel imparts a nice vanilla/scotch. Tastes are balanced in a style that can get sweet, even for a malt-head like me. Finishes not too sweet; yet is a good substitute for dessert. Had this as an aperitif and it was more than fine.

As for the fusion... Interesting. But let me be more specific as I finish the 4-pack.
During the course of consuming the second bottle, I decided I need to get another 4-pack as this is a great stand-alone ale.
I also went on Allagash's website and just became more and more impressed by their dedication to their craft, customers and community. It is why they remain high on my North American BBBL.

8/5/20 Bottled almost two years ago, this is still holding up; even more melding going on. Satisfied with this review, I'm keeping count now over at Untappd.

Mahogany color. Nice, off-white head. Toffees, toasted malt , wood in the aroma. Moderately sweet with the bitterness of wood at the end.

 

 

 

This was a rare miss from Allagash.

 

3/23/2019 - Tinypalooza 4.5

Bottle: Poured a copper color ale with a large off-white foamy head with good retention and some lacing. Aroma of caramelized malt notes with some nice scotch notes and oak notes. Taste is also a mix of caramelized malt notes with some nice scotch notes, light warming alcohol notes with light residual sugar notes. Body is about average with good retention and some lacing. Super easy drinking with good level of complexity.

12 oz bottle, dated 10-3-18 and purchased 11-26-19 as part of a $9 mix-six. I snagged two bottles and hope to pick up the other two if they're still there next time I am back in the store!

Enjoyed in a tulip glass. Pours very similar to Founders BB with a nice fluffy head that fades slowly with nice lacing. Aroma features caramel, dark fruit, whiskey, and oak. Flavor is similar but much more fruity and maaaaybe has a touch of sourness? Complex but much fruitier than I expect from a BBA Scotch Ale. Mouthfeel has just the right amount of carbonation with a hint of warming alcohol. Overall a tasty beer, not my favorite BBA Scotch Ale but a steal at a buck-fifty per bottle.

 

 

 

Opaque brown, off white foam.

Malty, barrelly.

Slightest sweetness hidden under some char and a lot of wood. No peat, IMO. Heat on the finish is sorta acidic and medicinal.

Tad too carbonated.

 

Pours a lively dark caramel color with a large foamy head. The head displays great retention, yielding a creamy film throughout.
The aroma reveals rich and inviting malty tones, nutty, toasty and biscuity. Aromas of caramel, toffee contribute sweetness, as well as jammy like fruity malts and esters, particularly with notes of raisins and figs. All throughout, there is a gently spice, peaty in nature and supported by minty and grassy hops aromas.
Rich in flavor and dominated by full and chewy malts balanced by peat and a gentle hops presence. A round and soft malt presence adds sweetness, with notes of honey, caramel, toffee, toasted, biscuity and nutty. Fruity with notes of raisins and figs, all balanced by peaty flavors and grassy and minty hops that add a developing gentle bitterness.
Full bodied with an ultra smooth, soft and velvety mouthfeel. Gentle carbonation with a long toffee like finish that gradually dries up nicely.
Overall a delicious Scotch Ale from one of the best breweries around.

 

 

 

Bottle from a Lazy dog
Deep copper in color with a thin off white head that persists.
Rich bready toasty almost caramel like maltiness with bits of dark dried fruits. Light almost faint oaky spirit character. but it does add a nice background note. Great but highly deceptive sipper.