20th Anniversary Scotch Ale
Highland Brewing
Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy
- ABV:
- 8%
- Score:
- 85
- Avg:
- 3.73 | pDev: 10.19%
- Reviews:
- 16
- Ratings:
- From:
- Highland Brewing
- North Carolina, United States
- Avail:
- Retired (no longer brewed)
- Wants
- 1
- Gots
- 17
SCORE
85
Very Good
85
Very Good
Notes:
Reviews: 16
| Ratings: 82
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Reviews by JohnnyK:
More User Reviews:
oberon from North Carolina
3.29/5 rDev -11.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
Filled on 3/28/14.Ever since I have moved here Highland has been the main stay here in NC,nice to see them come out with a four part series for their 20th Ann.Pours a deep amber/mahogany with a sticky light beige head that settles into a frothy mass.The aromas left we wanting more I must say,a bit of brown sugar-like sweetness and meatiness.A little fizzy and thin for the style and abv.wich left me a little perplexed as well.Caramel and a hint of butterscotch on the palate that turns into a toffee finish.The flavors are ok but the mouthfeel leaves much to be desired,the flavors could have a little more oomph to them as well.Iam really let down by this beer,Highland is a great brewery but man this is a downer here.
May 05, 2014
3.29/5 rDev -11.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
Filled on 3/28/14.Ever since I have moved here Highland has been the main stay here in NC,nice to see them come out with a four part series for their 20th Ann.Pours a deep amber/mahogany with a sticky light beige head that settles into a frothy mass.The aromas left we wanting more I must say,a bit of brown sugar-like sweetness and meatiness.A little fizzy and thin for the style and abv.wich left me a little perplexed as well.Caramel and a hint of butterscotch on the palate that turns into a toffee finish.The flavors are ok but the mouthfeel leaves much to be desired,the flavors could have a little more oomph to them as well.Iam really let down by this beer,Highland is a great brewery but man this is a downer here.
May 05, 2014
mntlover from Tennessee
4/5 rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Just a Wee Bit Different. I have enjoyed Highland brews for years and will continue to do so. While they don't make any thing fancy or whales so to speak they brew some solid beers that will always have a spot in my beer fridge. Grats on 20 year guys.
Pours a reddish brown with a nice tan head that falls slow to a cap that leaves some descent lacing.
Aroma is malty and earthy, caramel malts, hints of dark fruit, peat notes and hints of smoke. Along with a wee bit of hops to finish it out. Pretty much right on par for the style.
Taste is Just like the nose, a nice big malt presence, caramel with toffee hints good earthy notes light dark fruit hints. Finish gets lightened by the carbonation that's when the fig/plum notes appear and linger through out the finish with a dash of hops that add just the right touch of grassy/herbal notes.
Mouthfeel is nice big bodied brew to start then lightens up in the finish to medium with the carbonation burst.
Overall pretty much spot on style for this brew. Wouldn't mind having this one as a regular brew from Highlands. Also not notice of the 8% anywhere.
May 18, 2014
4/5 rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Just a Wee Bit Different. I have enjoyed Highland brews for years and will continue to do so. While they don't make any thing fancy or whales so to speak they brew some solid beers that will always have a spot in my beer fridge. Grats on 20 year guys.
Pours a reddish brown with a nice tan head that falls slow to a cap that leaves some descent lacing.
Aroma is malty and earthy, caramel malts, hints of dark fruit, peat notes and hints of smoke. Along with a wee bit of hops to finish it out. Pretty much right on par for the style.
Taste is Just like the nose, a nice big malt presence, caramel with toffee hints good earthy notes light dark fruit hints. Finish gets lightened by the carbonation that's when the fig/plum notes appear and linger through out the finish with a dash of hops that add just the right touch of grassy/herbal notes.
Mouthfeel is nice big bodied brew to start then lightens up in the finish to medium with the carbonation burst.
Overall pretty much spot on style for this brew. Wouldn't mind having this one as a regular brew from Highlands. Also not notice of the 8% anywhere.
May 18, 2014
brentk56 from North Carolina
3.81/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Appearance: Pours a clear tea brown color with a nice ecru head; plenty of lacing sticks to the glass
Smell: Caramel and plum tones
Taste: As in the aroma, the flavors present caramel and plum; there is a bit of spiciness that arrives in the middle but, overall, relatively little flavor progression
Mouthfeel: Medium to full body with moderate carbonation
Overall: I am surprised that, given the Scottish theme Highland uses, that they didn't come up with a more interesting take on the style for their 20th anniversary; no peat, little earthiness and, overall, somewhat of a disappointment though it is readily drinkable
Jul 10, 2015
3.81/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Appearance: Pours a clear tea brown color with a nice ecru head; plenty of lacing sticks to the glass
Smell: Caramel and plum tones
Taste: As in the aroma, the flavors present caramel and plum; there is a bit of spiciness that arrives in the middle but, overall, relatively little flavor progression
Mouthfeel: Medium to full body with moderate carbonation
Overall: I am surprised that, given the Scottish theme Highland uses, that they didn't come up with a more interesting take on the style for their 20th anniversary; no peat, little earthiness and, overall, somewhat of a disappointment though it is readily drinkable
Jul 10, 2015
ChainGangGuy from Georgia
3.74/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
22 ounce bottle - $9.49 at Total Wine & More in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Filled: 03/28/14.
Appearance: Pours out a very dark, tawny brown body with just at an inch of light beige foam.
Smell: Earthy dark maltiness in the nose, charred toast, thin ashen roast, nutty, dry caramel, grilled plums, and a small hint of the alcohol.
Taste: Robust, earthy malts of dark toast encrusted with nutty caramelized sugars and a notable tinge of roast. Medium sweetness. Sly, slender, tangy fruitiness. Herbal, lightly spicy hints from the hops. Finishes a bit dry with lingering roast and caramel tastes.
Mouthfeel: Medium-plus body. Medium carbonation.
Overall: While it's not the most characterful scotch ale, it isn't rippling with malty sweetness, isn't jam-packed with peat-smoked malts, isn't coarsely boozy, etc, I liked it well enough. It's good, albeit understated.
Jun 07, 2014
3.74/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
22 ounce bottle - $9.49 at Total Wine & More in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Filled: 03/28/14.
Appearance: Pours out a very dark, tawny brown body with just at an inch of light beige foam.
Smell: Earthy dark maltiness in the nose, charred toast, thin ashen roast, nutty, dry caramel, grilled plums, and a small hint of the alcohol.
Taste: Robust, earthy malts of dark toast encrusted with nutty caramelized sugars and a notable tinge of roast. Medium sweetness. Sly, slender, tangy fruitiness. Herbal, lightly spicy hints from the hops. Finishes a bit dry with lingering roast and caramel tastes.
Mouthfeel: Medium-plus body. Medium carbonation.
Overall: While it's not the most characterful scotch ale, it isn't rippling with malty sweetness, isn't jam-packed with peat-smoked malts, isn't coarsely boozy, etc, I liked it well enough. It's good, albeit understated.
Jun 07, 2014
midlifec from Michigan
3.94/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Feb 26, 2015
3.94/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Feb 26, 2015
Tone from Missouri
3.67/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Pours a clear, dark brown color. 1/3 inch head of an off-white color. Good retention and good lacing. Smells of strong sweet malt, hint of hop, slight yeast, slight roasted malt, and a hint of spice. Fits the style of a Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy. Mouth feel is sharp and crisp, with an average carbonation level. Tastes of strong sweet malt, hint of hop, yeast, hint of roasted malt, and a hint of spice. Overall, good appearance, decent aroma and body, but nothing really great here.
May 31, 2014
3.67/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Pours a clear, dark brown color. 1/3 inch head of an off-white color. Good retention and good lacing. Smells of strong sweet malt, hint of hop, slight yeast, slight roasted malt, and a hint of spice. Fits the style of a Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy. Mouth feel is sharp and crisp, with an average carbonation level. Tastes of strong sweet malt, hint of hop, yeast, hint of roasted malt, and a hint of spice. Overall, good appearance, decent aroma and body, but nothing really great here.
May 31, 2014
rangerred from Tennessee
3.67/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Nice to see a special release from my (nearly) hometown brewery. Hard to believe they've been around for 20 years now.
Poured into a snifter out of a 22oz bomber.
Pours a very dark brownish-red with a one finger off-white head. Really good head retention and excellent lacing; forms a nearly solid ring all the way around the glass.
Unfortunately, the aroma is a bit weak. A touch metallic but there are smoky notes along with touches of peat and caramel. There is a noticeable earthy character about it which is kind of nice.
The flavor is much more bold than the aroma. Lots of smoke and earth on the flavor along with some lighter roasty notes. Just a bit of metal as an off note but it doesn't really detract all that much. Very slick and smooth mouthfeel with just a light bitterness. Alcohol is very well hidden and the finish is on the dry side for this style.
Overall, looking at the malts in this beer there is no peaked malt. I'm not sure where the peaty/earthy notes come from but I love it and it fits the style well. The aroma could use some work but I feel like this beer is well put together.
Apr 27, 2014
3.67/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Nice to see a special release from my (nearly) hometown brewery. Hard to believe they've been around for 20 years now.
Poured into a snifter out of a 22oz bomber.
Pours a very dark brownish-red with a one finger off-white head. Really good head retention and excellent lacing; forms a nearly solid ring all the way around the glass.
Unfortunately, the aroma is a bit weak. A touch metallic but there are smoky notes along with touches of peat and caramel. There is a noticeable earthy character about it which is kind of nice.
The flavor is much more bold than the aroma. Lots of smoke and earth on the flavor along with some lighter roasty notes. Just a bit of metal as an off note but it doesn't really detract all that much. Very slick and smooth mouthfeel with just a light bitterness. Alcohol is very well hidden and the finish is on the dry side for this style.
Overall, looking at the malts in this beer there is no peaked malt. I'm not sure where the peaty/earthy notes come from but I love it and it fits the style well. The aroma could use some work but I feel like this beer is well put together.
Apr 27, 2014
avalon07 from South Carolina
3.75/5 rDev +0.5%
A: Poured from a bottle to a pint glass. Had a copper color and a mostly clear consistency. There was an of foamy, fairly long-lasting head. OK lacing.
S: A decent aroma of malt and caramel - typical of the style.
T: Tasted of a fair amount of malt, a bit of hops, and some caramel thrown in as well. While not as forceful a flavor as you might like, this is a pretty good one.
M: A moderately carbonated beer with a dry finish. Medium-bodied.
O: This is a solid beer that doesn't quite cross over into being great. Still, worth a look.
Aug 22, 2014
3.75/5 rDev +0.5%
A: Poured from a bottle to a pint glass. Had a copper color and a mostly clear consistency. There was an of foamy, fairly long-lasting head. OK lacing.
S: A decent aroma of malt and caramel - typical of the style.
T: Tasted of a fair amount of malt, a bit of hops, and some caramel thrown in as well. While not as forceful a flavor as you might like, this is a pretty good one.
M: A moderately carbonated beer with a dry finish. Medium-bodied.
O: This is a solid beer that doesn't quite cross over into being great. Still, worth a look.
Aug 22, 2014
gjoker321 from Florida
3.54/5 rDev -5.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Jan 19, 2016
3.54/5 rDev -5.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Jan 19, 2016
chinchill from South Carolina
3.6/5 rDev -3.5%
On tap at the brewery.
Dark red-brown, nearly opaque, with a decent head.
Tame for style. Lightly sweet. Drinks like a cross between a Scutch ale and a brown ale. Does finish more like a Scotch Ale, with a trace of smoke.
Sep 15, 2014
3.6/5 rDev -3.5%
On tap at the brewery.
Dark red-brown, nearly opaque, with a decent head.
Tame for style. Lightly sweet. Drinks like a cross between a Scutch ale and a brown ale. Does finish more like a Scotch Ale, with a trace of smoke.
Sep 15, 2014
AndyAvalanche from Massachusetts
4.05/5 rDev +8.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
22 oz. bomber poured into the larger version of the Sam Adams perfect pint glass. Comes out dark, darker than expected for the style. A deep, deep hearty amber color; autumn brown, like a leaf with just a little bit of life left in it. Glows a little lighter when held up to the light; good clarity. Off white, brown egg shell colored head, mostly small bubbles. A little bit of lacing to it, not much though.
Smell is good. A lot of nice roasted malts and grain. Straying aromas of raisons (red and white) as well as maybe some dehydrated plumb. Some slightly grassy hop aromas as well.
Taste is a step up especially because I find the flavor to be much more potent than the aroma. The large amounts of pale caramel malts stick out right away, in addition there's lots of darker roasted malts as well. A little bit of the above mentioned raison and dehydrated plum flavors, provide the slightest bit of tangy fruity flavors that's slightly sweet towards the end. There's a nice spicy hop flavor that's a little mild and it finishes it off well.
Mouthfeel is really good. Medium body with a low carbonation level. Really smooth, and feels cool and clean the whole way through. There's a nice spicy finish at the end, fairly clean. Really drinkable beer, feels clean and well crafted. Doesn't surprise me, Highland has really become a brewery that I have a lot of respect for. Huge thanks to Paschal for sending me this bottle as a father's day gift out of the goodness of his heart. Thanks a lot!
Jun 28, 2014
4.05/5 rDev +8.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
22 oz. bomber poured into the larger version of the Sam Adams perfect pint glass. Comes out dark, darker than expected for the style. A deep, deep hearty amber color; autumn brown, like a leaf with just a little bit of life left in it. Glows a little lighter when held up to the light; good clarity. Off white, brown egg shell colored head, mostly small bubbles. A little bit of lacing to it, not much though.
Smell is good. A lot of nice roasted malts and grain. Straying aromas of raisons (red and white) as well as maybe some dehydrated plumb. Some slightly grassy hop aromas as well.
Taste is a step up especially because I find the flavor to be much more potent than the aroma. The large amounts of pale caramel malts stick out right away, in addition there's lots of darker roasted malts as well. A little bit of the above mentioned raison and dehydrated plum flavors, provide the slightest bit of tangy fruity flavors that's slightly sweet towards the end. There's a nice spicy hop flavor that's a little mild and it finishes it off well.
Mouthfeel is really good. Medium body with a low carbonation level. Really smooth, and feels cool and clean the whole way through. There's a nice spicy finish at the end, fairly clean. Really drinkable beer, feels clean and well crafted. Doesn't surprise me, Highland has really become a brewery that I have a lot of respect for. Huge thanks to Paschal for sending me this bottle as a father's day gift out of the goodness of his heart. Thanks a lot!
Jun 28, 2014
Apellonious from North Carolina
3.92/5 rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
22 oz bomber from FmcD's poured into a tulip.
A - Dark black and brown with ruby highlights. Pours with a one finger head that moves to a thin white lace.
S - Wee heavy malts, slight funk, caramel and toffee.
T - Cola, slight touch of burnt grains, maybe some syrup, caramel, malts. The alcohol lurks in the background, and there is little to no semblance of smoke.
M - Has some depth, even though it is a touch thin. I am sensing a hop presence that keeps this form being overly sweet or cloying.
O - This is a tasty one. Highland has always presented solid and occassionally outstanding offerings. Recommended while it is available.
May 04, 2014
3.92/5 rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
22 oz bomber from FmcD's poured into a tulip.
A - Dark black and brown with ruby highlights. Pours with a one finger head that moves to a thin white lace.
S - Wee heavy malts, slight funk, caramel and toffee.
T - Cola, slight touch of burnt grains, maybe some syrup, caramel, malts. The alcohol lurks in the background, and there is little to no semblance of smoke.
M - Has some depth, even though it is a touch thin. I am sensing a hop presence that keeps this form being overly sweet or cloying.
O - This is a tasty one. Highland has always presented solid and occassionally outstanding offerings. Recommended while it is available.
May 04, 2014
nathanmiller from New York
3.5/5 rDev -6.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Jun 18, 2015
3.5/5 rDev -6.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Jun 18, 2015
Jadjunk from Georgia
3.69/5 rDev -1.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
"Rich flavors blend beautifully in this medium-bodied ale. Sterling hops subtle spice nose gives way to the taste of rich caramel and roasted notes. Brewed with the finest traditional Scottish malts, American malts, and English Fuggle hops, this is a beer worth celebrating!" Brewed in the style of a Scotch Ale. Available in 22 oz. bottles and on limited draft. Release #1 of 4 over the course of a year celebrating the brewery's 20th anniversary.
Poured from a 22 oz. bottle to a snifter glass.
(Appearance) Pours a foamy, frothed tan head over a deep mahogany amber body with high clarity and ample carbonation. Retention is average and lacing is light and spotty. 3.75
(Smell) Caramelized and toffee malts, light toasted grain, mild roasted barley, very accessible malt profile for a scotch ale. Reserved notes of fruity and earthy hops and a subtle undertone of coffee and bakers' chocolate. Potency is moderate. 3.5
(Taste) A malt profile that echoes the aroma, with lightly caramelized malts and light toasty grains, lesser roast and slightly more underlying dark fruit sugar sweetness. Delicate hop aromas and more fruity tanginess plus the earthy bitterness of faint roast coffee bean character providing the subtle balance that this very clean and modestly-bodied ale needs. 3.75
(Mouthfeel) Texture is slick, lightly residual, clean, silky smooth and lightly dry. Carbonation is moderate, generating a light frothiness and a moderately crisp finish. Body is shy of medium for the style, medium overall. Balance is slightly sweet over earthy and nutty bitter. Alcohol presence is mild and there are no off characters in this ale. 3.75
(Overall) Overall a pleasing ale. That said, I recall a much more robust and flavorful Scotch Ale of Tasgall, brewed as a rotating release for many years prior, and hoped for an anniversary celebration ale a little less trimmed down than this beer boiled down to. According to the bottle, I think modesty may have been what they were going for, especially with three other releases on the way. Regardless, I favor Highland as one of the more enjoyable pioneers of bringing this excellent and underrepresented style to the mainstream craft movement, and found this ale overall enjoyable, if not playing it perhaps "too safe" for the sake of the mainstream consumer. That said, expect something very drinkable, but not too memorable. 3.75
Highland Brewing's
20th Anniversary Scotch Ale
3.69/5.00
Sep 11, 2015
3.69/5 rDev -1.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
"Rich flavors blend beautifully in this medium-bodied ale. Sterling hops subtle spice nose gives way to the taste of rich caramel and roasted notes. Brewed with the finest traditional Scottish malts, American malts, and English Fuggle hops, this is a beer worth celebrating!" Brewed in the style of a Scotch Ale. Available in 22 oz. bottles and on limited draft. Release #1 of 4 over the course of a year celebrating the brewery's 20th anniversary.
Poured from a 22 oz. bottle to a snifter glass.
(Appearance) Pours a foamy, frothed tan head over a deep mahogany amber body with high clarity and ample carbonation. Retention is average and lacing is light and spotty. 3.75
(Smell) Caramelized and toffee malts, light toasted grain, mild roasted barley, very accessible malt profile for a scotch ale. Reserved notes of fruity and earthy hops and a subtle undertone of coffee and bakers' chocolate. Potency is moderate. 3.5
(Taste) A malt profile that echoes the aroma, with lightly caramelized malts and light toasty grains, lesser roast and slightly more underlying dark fruit sugar sweetness. Delicate hop aromas and more fruity tanginess plus the earthy bitterness of faint roast coffee bean character providing the subtle balance that this very clean and modestly-bodied ale needs. 3.75
(Mouthfeel) Texture is slick, lightly residual, clean, silky smooth and lightly dry. Carbonation is moderate, generating a light frothiness and a moderately crisp finish. Body is shy of medium for the style, medium overall. Balance is slightly sweet over earthy and nutty bitter. Alcohol presence is mild and there are no off characters in this ale. 3.75
(Overall) Overall a pleasing ale. That said, I recall a much more robust and flavorful Scotch Ale of Tasgall, brewed as a rotating release for many years prior, and hoped for an anniversary celebration ale a little less trimmed down than this beer boiled down to. According to the bottle, I think modesty may have been what they were going for, especially with three other releases on the way. Regardless, I favor Highland as one of the more enjoyable pioneers of bringing this excellent and underrepresented style to the mainstream craft movement, and found this ale overall enjoyable, if not playing it perhaps "too safe" for the sake of the mainstream consumer. That said, expect something very drinkable, but not too memorable. 3.75
Highland Brewing's
20th Anniversary Scotch Ale
3.69/5.00
Sep 11, 2015
20th Anniversary Scotch Ale from Highland Brewing
Beer rating:
85 out of
100 with
82 ratings
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