Beer Wiki
Register
Advertisement

Scotch ale, often called Scottish ale in the United States, is the name given to a strong ale believed to have originated in Edinburgh in the 19th century. Beers using the designation Scotch ale are popular in Belgium and the USA where most examples are brewed locally. For example, Caledonian's Edinburgh Scotch Ale is sold from the cask in Scotland as Edinburgh Strong Ale or as Edinburgh Tattoo.

Strong Scotch ale is also known as Wee Heavy. Examples of beers brewed in the USA under the name Wee Heavy tend to be 7% ABV and higher, while Scottish-brewed examples, such as Belhaven's Wee Heavy, are typically between 5.5% and 6.5% ABV. As with other examples of strong pale ales, such as barley wine, these beers tend toward sweetness and a full body, with a low hop flavor. Examples from the Caledonian brewery would have toffee notes from the caramelising of the malt from the direct fired copper. This caramelising of Caledonian's beers is popular in America and has led many American brewers to produce toffee sweet beers which they would label as a Scotch Ale.

Advertisement