Scottish Special Export Ale
Southampton Publick House

Had on tap at Local 44 in Philly. Poured a dark amber brown with a light but noticeable white head. Smell was light, with grassy and hoppy notes. Taste was similar, light and clean with a balanced hoppy finish and moderate carbonation. Not really complicated beer, just pleasant and refreshing.

On tap.

Poured a deep orangish color with a small sized off white head. Aromas of light earthniess, caramel, nuts, and I was getting some bread in there too. Tastes of caramel, toffee, nuts, and the same breadiness. Sweet finish. Light lacing left on the glass.

Notes from 6/13/08

I ended up with a pint of this after a recommendation from Med. It was quite clear and had a tawny brown colour. The dense cap of tan foam really lasted. There was a bit of spotty lacing too. The aroma was rich malts, lots of toffee, and notes of bittersweet chocolate. Big malt backbone with mild bitterness that was there just for balance. Lots of toffee and caramelized sugar, malted milk and chocolate. It ended up on the sweet side, but stayed well short of cloying. Malt lingered in the finish. Medium to full bodied with creamy carbonation, very smooth. Truly an awesome pint and a showcase for malt. Highly recommended.

Poured a deep amber hue with a half finger foamy white head. There was decent retention and lacing.

The smell featured a grainy cereal malt with a slight smokiness.

The taste consisted of a solid grainy malt, some caramel sweetness and a spicy smokiness.

The mouthfeel was of average fullness for the style.

An overall tasty scottish ale. Good drinkability.

Appearance: Medium brown with a dark ruby hue. A shiny off-white bubbly head.

Smell: Bready. some licorish, toast, butterscotch. minor grassy notes. maybe some ringwood yeast aroma?

Taste: sweet roasted malts throughout though not overpowering at all. They did not go overboard with the malt which is a good thing. minor notes of dark fruits. subtle hints of chocolate at the end. low hop profile. A slight smokiness hits the palate. very mild astringent tang comes through as the beer warms.

Mouthfeel is full bodied though a little thinner than other scottish ales ive tried. This beer is not too dark or cloying with maltiness as I have experienced with other beers of this style. A very drinkable scottish ale.