Wee Heavy Wilson
MudHen Brewing Co

(13 oz tulip pour at the brewery today; 8.0% abv as billed)

Looks on point: ultra-brilliantly clear, red-crimson rust, fleeting foam... only a touch smoky on the nose, the main aroma is toasted dark caramel... on the palate, a curious blend of Scotch Ale and dubbel flavor, leaning more to the latter... quite absent is any round, sweetish malt flavor; it's rather crisp and dry - not much flavor lingering in the aftertaste... the lack of malt depth naturally manifests itself in a remarkably taut, lean body... not your typical, textbook Scotch Ale, but it's a real good beer (served way too cold), though it's one I'd prefer to try from a can/bottle; (can't trust a draft of this take on the style in a shore town)... maybe if I get down there again soon, I'll grab a growler (2446)

 

On draught at the brewery with dinner. Served in a snulip glass. It pours a dark, orange-cola with minimal ecru-colored head and a thin film of lacing. The smell is subdued at first but begins to open as it warms in the glass with scents of caramel malt, musty peat, apple, grass, and burnt char. The taste really redeems this ale; the flavors are big and bold with caramel, toffee, apple, raisin, cherry, dark chocolate, and smoky peat. There is also a mix of spice and surprising bitterness at the finish. In fact, I don't think I've ever experienced a Scottish Ale with so much hop presence. It has a real depth of flavor. The mouth feel is relatively thick and creamy with moderate carbonation, and it's big at 9% ABV. Overall, I'm ver impressed by Wee Heavy Wilson. Although the appearance and smell are mediocre, this Ale is really strong where (to me) it counts: taste and mouth feel. Not many New Jersey brewers attempt this style and Mud Hen has done a really good job. If I see this in cans I'll buy them for sure.