Best Scotch ale?

Also it's not even really a debate when RateBeer has it as the 3rd best Wee Heavy/ Scotch Ale and Beer Advocate has it as the 2nd best Scotch Ale/ Wee Ale. Even if it's your opinion that there is a better Scotch Ale it's the general opinion that Backwoods is one of the best Scotch Ale's based on rankings and reviews. Even if more hardcore fans of Scotch Ales think there is better there's more non converted fans that see it as the best. Whatever converts non believers in the style is the best

 

Is it the 1879 version that's in your blog? If so it would raise a few eyebrows with over 120 IBU when we are all told that the Scots didn't use many hops

 

Scottish Ale is, er, well, ale from Scotland.It is just the same as English and Welsh ale.No particular style.
Scotch Ale is a long established though sadly misunderstood style in its own right.

 

I love Rohrbach's Scotch Ale. I was going to list it as my favorite, but held back since it is so local I didn't think most people would know of it. I too wish they bottled it. It's readily available here, but only in growlers or on tap at local places.

 

Orkney Skullsplitter. ftw

 

Backwoods for me followed by CC Big Sound, I'd love to try a CC BA Big Sound.

 

No, it's a 1930's version. I think it will be a pretty surprising beer, nonetheless.

 

Yeah, I remember it and already mentioned it. When it was gone..I saw MacAndrews Stock Ale on the shelf for a short while. Same Airedale doggie on the label but it twas not as pleasing a beer.

 

I'm not sure if you are way off base or whether you just weren't clear with what you said in your post.

If I can read between the lines of your post, are you saying that Backwoods Bastard shouldn't be considered for comparison purposes to other Scottish-style ales because it is different, having been aged in bourbon barrels? I'll agree that it is probably not proper to compare Backwoods with non-BBA versions as a Scotch Ale, but that doesn't mean that it "ain't great." It is a Scotch Ale, it's just been enhanced by aging in something other than in the bottle in the cellar.

 

Dirty Bastard and Old Chub are the 2 I've tried and can get very easy here locally. Both in hand portable containers and on tap.

Neither has ever caused me to cuss. Love em both. It's a style I enjoy as a malt head. Want to get my AG system dialed in more before I make my own.

 

Best scotch ale I've ever had is Old Chub on cask with vanilla beans. Easily beats BA Old Chub.

Generally though I really like Old Chub and it's one of the few scotch ales easily accessible in the area and usually reasonably priced.

I am sitting on a bottle of BA Scotch Silly.

 

Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/77
Scottish Ale: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/68

 

For non barrel aged, Cigar City Big Sound. That beer is awesome!

 

WOW, love this thread!
Think the style and it's cousin Wee Heavy are a tad underrated.

In no order:

Dirty Bastard (Scotch Ale)

Old Chub (Wee)
Backwoods Bastard (Wee)
Skull Splitter (Wee)

Enjoyed reading others thoughts and suggestions.

 

I haven't had many, but Backwoods Bastard definitely lept out of the pack as the best one yet.

 

Ooh, forgot about the MacKroken Flower grande reserve from Le Bilboquet, a wee heavy brewed with honey and Scottish thistle, then aged in mead barrels... yum!

 

Picked this up a while ago in Vermont and really enjoyed. Note to self: Time for a quick trip to Bennington, VT.

 

BBA Big Sound is the best overall, but the best everyday drinker for me would be either Old Chub or Bellhaven Wee Heavy (preferably on draft).

 

As others have said, Old Chub and Scotty Karate are great. I wish there were more people doing this style because I think there is a lot of potential.

 

Robert the Bruce & Dirty Bastard are my favorites from limited experience, but I did enjoy the growler of Wee Muckle I had during the Holidays.