Brew Review: Wee Heavy Scottish Ale
Brewery: Dunedin Brewery (Dunedin, Florida)
Style: Wee Heavy (Strong Scottish Ale)
ABV: 8.2
Summer is the time for relaxing at the beach, or maybe hanging out at a barbecue drinking a refreshing, thirst quenching, lighter beer like a Summer Ale, Pale Ale, or perhaps a Pilsner. With the wonderful invention of air conditioning however, dark, complex beers can be enjoyed even when the heat index soars above the century mark.
A Wee Heavy is not really a summer beer, by any stretch of the imagination, in contrast it’s a malty, thick, and substantial Strong Scottish Ale best suited for a cold evening. Style wise, it’s known for being rich, malty, complex, and lightly to moderately hopped.
Today’s contestant is Dunedin Brewery’s Wee Heavy Scotch Ale. This malty 8.2% heavyweight, also known as a Strong Scotch Ale, is brewed just before the Highland Games and is served via keg from March until it runs out. Cloudy dark amber, copper, with chocolate hues catch the eye and change as it’s held up to the light. It’s lightly carbonated and beautiful yet intimidating. Malt, bread and caramel aromas greet the nose as the glass lifts-it smells complex and fantastic. The malt sweetness becomes apparent on the first sip, followed by intricate dark caramel and raisin-y notes with a hint of chocolate and toffee. Some bitterness becomes apparent at the finish as does a surprising and delicious hint of smoke, thanks to the use of a small amount of peat-smoked malt. The body is heavy but yet smooth and creamy.
Dunedin Brewery’s Wee Heavy Scotch Ale is bit richer and more complex than many, in a good way. It wants the drinker to sip, study, and contemplate it, preferably in an air conditioned environment. It’s very enjoyable with a rich dessert or simply sipped on its own. This isn’t a beer for everyone but dark beer enthusiasts should make a point to try this one while it’s still available.
The uniquely cool and comfortable Dunedin Brewery is located just a few blocks north of quaint downtown Dunedin, Florida. Home of the Highland Games, Dunedin has a proud Scottish heritage where bagpipes and kilts are not uncommon.
Who’ll Like This Beer: Connoisseurs of complex, malty, higher alcohol beers like Barleywines, Imperial Stouts, and Robust Porters will enjoy this one. People who enjoy Stouts, Porters, Scotch Whiskey, Red Wine, or Port Wine should give this one a try.
Little Known Fact: Thirty gallons of the “first runnings” of wort (beer before it’s cooked or fermented) are scorched in the brewing kettle to give the Wee Heavy its distinct caramel flavor, as is traditionally done in Scotland.
The Verdict: A delicious, complex, and layered Wee Heavy that really satisfies!
Rating: 9.5/10 Mugs
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