Bière de Garde literally means "beer that is kept," referring to the original purpose of these beers. Brewed in winter to be consumed year-round, these malty yet dry beers balance significant grain character with crisp, clean finish. Modern versions are lagered ales or cold-aged ales with ale yeast, creating distinctive character. The style exists in three color variants: blond (pale), ambrée (amber), and brune (brown).
A moderate-strength, malty Irish ale with a dryish finish and subtle roasted character from roasted barley. Irish Red Ale is an adaptation of the English Bitter style to Irish brewing traditions, featuring the characteristic use of roasted barley that gives Irish ales their distinctive dry finish.
Low gravity, low alcohol levels, and low carbonation make this an easy-drinking session beer. The malt profile can vary in flavor and intensity, but should never override the overall bitter impression. Drinkability is a critical component of the style.
A malt-focused, generally caramelly beer with perhaps a few esters and occasionally a butterscotch aftertaste. Hops only to balance and support the malt. The malt character can range from dry and grainy to rich, toasty, and caramelly, but is never roasty and especially never has a peat smoke character.
Scottish Export Ale Read More »
A malt-focused, generally caramelly beer with perhaps a few esters and occasionally a butterscotch aftertaste. Hops only to balance and support the malt. The malt character can range from dry and grainy to rich, toasty, and caramelly, but is never roasty and especially never has a peat smoke character.
Scottish Heavy Ale Read More »
A malt-focused, generally caramelly beer with perhaps a few esters and occasionally a butterscotch aftertaste. Hops only to balance and support the malt. The malt character can range from dry and grainy to rich, toasty, and caramelly, but is never roasty and especially never has a peat smoke character. Traditionally the darkest of the Scottish ales, sometimes nearly black but lacking any burnt, overtly roasted character.
Scottish Light Ale Read More »
A very strong, dark Scottish ale with rich, complex malt character and warming alcohol. The name “Wee Heavy” means “small strong ale”—”wee” referring to the small glass size these powerful beers were traditionally served in, and “heavy” referring to their strength and richness. Wee Heavy represents the highest achievement of Scottish ale brewing tradition.
Scotch Ale | Stormin` the Castle Read More »
