One of the first Scottish ales ever available in Milwaukee was Belhaven Scottish Ale. In the early 1980s we were lucky to have the importer of this extraordinary beer be located in nearby Butler. The original imported package was a large painted bottle which was a big hit with homebrewers, who were able to enjoy fresh and full-bodied Scottish Ale, and then use the bottle over and over for homebrews.
{INSERT_RELATED}But alas, by the late '80s, Belhaven was no longer available and became naught but aye fond memory. In 2000 Belhaven Scottish Ale made its triumphant return to Milwaukee in a newly designed 500ml bottle, but the same authentic full bodied taste.
Belhaven has been brewed in Dunbar -- 30 miles from Edinburgh -- since 1719, at the oldest surviving independent brewery in Scotland. The export version has been brewed longer than any other beer produced at the brewery.
Belhaven Scottish Ale is dark and ruby red in color, with a complex, but very balanced, malt character. It pours to a full and rich head in the glass. The aroma is all malt, with a nutty flavor that arrives with the first sip. This is a true Scottish ale with a smoky malt flavor. The hopping is medium but the full malt character overpowers the hop presence. The fullness of this beer remains on the palate for quite some time, which is a good thing.
One would think that with all this full flavor and ale character this beer would be quite high in alcohol, but the opposite is true. Belhaven Scottish ale is only 3.9% by volume and is considered a session beer, which more or less means you can drink more of it, and the head remains clearer. Belhaven also produces a similar beer available here, St. Andrews Ale. Both brews are available only in 500ml bottles, and the cost as sampled was $2.29.
Take the time to sample this delightfully different Scottish Ale. I think you will be very pleased. Next month we’re off to the Far East to sample one of my Japanese favorites. Till then, cheers and slainte!
