Gie It Laldy
Western Collective

plaid can looks great, totally caught my eye, nice to see some style diversity from these guys, seems like all hazy stuff and huge stouts lately, i was stoked to find this one. pretty basic stuff, but i like how dry it is, sometimes these can be really sweet and caramelized tasting, but its not, its clean too, not just dry but minimal on the yeast side, even almost not even really european seeming on the yeast side. its got a little bit of a low red glow to it, a burlap colored head, and just a little cloudiness. nose and taste show some kilned malt character, totally grain driven brew here, with little else really happening. some lightly grassy hops in the finish as the temperature comes up, a hint of fig and maybe even a bit of anise spice to it, but as this scottish ale style goes, this is mighty minimal and drinkable, a more character rich amber is all. some breadiness to the yeast as it warms i suppose, a tea note late, and a medium body but with great carbonation moving it swiftly along. not quite refreshing but very drinkable. fun and different, not aware of many other local operations making one of these, and i think the execution is pretty respectable. good with heady bbq!

16oz can from Brewers Haven. Copper colored pour, one finger creamy head. Peated malt aroma, smoky, light caramel notes. Taste is earthy malts, brown bread, caramel, tapering off to a mildly dry finish.