We never really need an excuse to try Scottish beers, but as it was St. Andrew’s Day, we decided to battle five Scottish beers from five different breweries. We might have been a little late with our celebration, but it was worth the wait. Five very good beers and a great selection.
We started with the blonde and followed it with two golden ales before finishing with the two dark beers. They were all very good and we’d happily have any of them again. Would love to try some of them on cask too.
The beers
Jarl by Fyne Ales: Session Blonde 3.8%
First up was this blonde ale from family-owned farm brewery, Fyne Ales. A strong start to the evening – light and refreshing with grapefruit and malt flavours up front and a nice bitterness on the finish.
Brewer’s note:
Jarl is our flagship session blonde ale. A showcase for American hop, Citra, Jarl delivers waves of fruity citrus flavours and a clean finish. Packed full of balanced, vibrant grapefruit and delicate lemon flavours with a subtly grassy, refreshing finish.
Jarl is the epitome of a modern classic – an easy-drinking, beautifully balanced session ale bursting with flavour. Fyne Ales was one of the first UK breweries to use Citra hops when we created Jarl in 2010 and has been winning awards and the hearts of drinkers ever since.
Brewer’s website: Fynes Ales – family-owned Scottish Farm Brewery
Ossian by Inveralmond Brewery: Golden Ale 4.1%
Next up, a golden ale from Inveralmond Brewery. This one was sweeter than the first with biscuity flavours – I thought it had a hint of Jaffa cakes. Another good beer.
Brewer’s note:
A flavour packed golden ale, that’s been necking awards since it came along, including Champion Beer of Scotland. Caramel and biscuit meet zesty lemon and orange for a moreish and malty beer, that’s now the fastest growing bottled beer in the land. This beer is named after a mythical warrior poet, it’s perfect for sharing late-night stories and embarking on adventures of your own.
Brewer’s website: Inveralmond Brewery – Beautiful Beer from the Heart of Scotland
Birds & Bees by Williams Bros: Golden Summer Ale 4.3%
Williams Bros brew Fraoch – a heather ale – which is lovely so we were looking forward to this one. We tried it in the winter, but can understand why it’s listed as a summer ale as it’s lovely and light with subtle honey and elderflower flavours.
Brewer’s note:
Brewed for the summer evenings when we down tools for the day and retire to the beer garden. This bright, golden ale is a blend of lager malt, Cascade, Amarillo & First Gold hops with a late infusion of elderflower. Fruity, aromatic and deliciously refreshing.
Brewer’s website: Williams Bros. Brewing Co.
Stewart’s 80/- by Stewart Brewing: Scottish Heavy 4.4%
Moving on to the dark beers, starting with this delicious Scottish Heavy. This had the feel of a porter but flavours similar to a barley wine. Lots of notes of fruit cake. A great beer and only 4.4%.
Brewer’s note:
Full-bodied and flavoured auburn classic Scottish heavy, with malt and dried fruit on the nose and a smooth and creamy texture.
Brewer’s website: Stewart Brewing Craft Beer Brewery
Old Jock by Broughton Brewery: Scotch Ale 6.7%
This Scotch Ale was our beer of the night. We both took a sip and said “mmmmm” at the exact same time. It had the same lovely fruit cake flavours as the previous beer, but dialled down. Really well-balanced beer. Would happily drink a few of these.
Brewer’s note:
Old Jock Scotch Ale is a masterclass in Scottish craft brewing, proving that the simple things in life deliver the best reward. Brewed by Broughton Ales, Scotland’s original, award winning, independent brewery, Old Jock is a rich and full-bodied, with intense caramel aromas and roasted maltiness, complemented by First Gold, Perle and Fuggles hops. The original, Scottish strong ale, Old Jock is the perfect companion to the finest food.
Brewer’s website: Broughton
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