Here is an unexpected bit of beer trivia to be dropped on you: Some of the best Scotch ales do not come from Scotland, but from Belgium.
Sparing all the dry centuries-old political history of Northern Europe, there is a long-standing connection between the highland counties of Scotland and the Low Country of Belgium. (Roughly 30% of the Scottish noble class are of Flemish origin.) Naturally, with both these areas sharing a love of malt and brewing you would also expect similar brewing traditions to persist—which they have, at least, in Belgium.
Just arrived in the North Texas market is a Scotch ale named Scotch Silly. Instead of yet another irreverent name from an American craft brewer who thinks themselves hilarious, Silly is actually the name of the town in Belgium where the Brasserie de Silly has been brewing since 1850. (For the curious, the name derives from the nearby Sylle River, with no connection to its English meaning.)
However, the current beer called Scotch Silly traces its origins only back to World War I, when a Scottish Regiment stationed there asked the local brewery to brew an ale for their soldiers. With ingredients supplied by the British and a tasting panel of thirsty Scots, the Brasserie de Silly developed the recipe for their Scotch ale that is still used today.
Scotch ales are all about the malt, most being just a shade away from whisky themselves. The Scotch Silly pours a dark amber color with a thin head, and a malty toffee aroma is immediately detected. The flavors found in this beer range from well-caramelized malts, buttered toffee, earthy peat, roasted nuts and a slightly fruity hint of figs or dark citrus. This 8% ABV ale would not taste out of place compared alongside any Scotch ale actually brewed in Scotland.
Malty beers pair excellently with food, especially anything fire-roasted or heavy. Try the Scotch Silly with roast beef, brisket or smoked cheeses.
Availability: Sold at beer-friendly retailers in 750-ml bottles. Hopefully, local taps will appear soon along with 12-oz bottles, and possibly other Silly products as well.
Cheers!
paul@scientist.com
Comments