Clayburn Smoked Scotch Ale
Ravens Brewing Company

473 ml can poured into a small tulip glass. Dark mahogany brown, but still showing some clarity under light; builds a modest creamy head of tan foam and leaves spare lacing. Toasted malt, dried dark fruit and molasses carry a nicely smoky aroma. Flavors continue from the nose with plenty of dried fruit, dark toffee, earthy hops, and more savory smoke. Mouthfeel is medium in body, slightly oily and moderately carbonated. Overall smoke is well done and complementary, but the malt base feels relatively lean for a Scotch ale.

 

Poured into a MacAndrew's thistle glass. Pours a dark mahogany brown with a half finger light khaki head with good retention and nice lacing. Aroma of caramel malt, dried and fresh plums, smokehouse smoke. Flavor is mild caramel and toasted malt, light plum and peaty smoke. Smoke, mild toffee and a hint of hops in the finish. Medium bodied with light creaminess. A light bodied Scotch ale with a good level of smokiness. The caramel and fruit flavors are a bit subdued and more evident in the aroma than taste. The mellow flavor leaves the smoke a little stark in the end of the taste, but it leaves a nice peaty Scotch ale flavor in the aftertaste. Enjoyable, but could use a little more hefty malt as a Scotch ale.