Wee Heavy Scotch Ale
Great Adirondack Brewing Company

 

A clear, deep reddish mahogany body is capped by a short but creamy off-white head. It holds OK before dropping to a thin collar and some minor whispy surface foam. Surprisingly, however, it does leave some spotty lace (probably due in part to its high level of alcohol). The nose expresses a combination of limited dark fruit (dates), a subtle roastiness, and a touch of alcohol. It's smooth and lightly creamy across the palate with a medium body and gentle, fine-bubbled carbonation. The flavor displays the dark fruity malt that the nose suggests but it's more varied (dates, prune, raisin, plum), and the roastiness is barely perceptible. The alcohol is clear but it helps to smooth the malt, and it's not abrasive in any way - just present. Its malt character is not overdone, and it's balanced by a noticeable bitterness that's just on the low side of becoming too much for the style. It finishes dry and surprisingly short with just a light touch of lingering malt. An enjoyable nightcap!