We don’t typically go in for traditional beer reviews here at Brews News, what with taste being so subjective and all. That said, this one is a cracker. If you like a Scotch Ale with a bit of smoke about it, this one tastes like it’s been on a Kontiki Tour to Bamburg. A very nice draught-only release from Malt Shovel’s Mad Brewers. [MK]
Media Release
MAD BREWERS LAUNCH NEW WEE HIGHLANDER SCOTCH ALE
Limited Edition Tap Brew from the Malt Shovel Brewery
April 2013 – Six months after the last Mad Brewer’s release, the team at the acclaimed Malt Shovel Brewery have launched Wee Highlander Scotch Ale; a limited release tap brew inspired by the Scottish heritage of brewer and ‘wee’ highlander Hamish McArthur.
McArthur, who joined the Malt Shovel Brewery team more than two years ago began working on the idea for the brew back in February.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure creating my own brew at the Malt Shovel brewery. The style and name of this brew originates from Scotland and my Scottish heritage; a Scotch strong Ale (or Wee Heavy) that we have dubbed Wee Highlander,” he said.
Wee Highlander is a rich, full-bodied, Scottish Ale brewed using a small portion of peated malt to add a slight smokiness and malted oats to add depth of character.
“Just like traditionally brewed Scotch Ales this brew undergoes an extended boil which, along with the use of crystal malts, gives a high degree of caramelisation of the brew-house wort. The result is a brew that has a deep red hue and a much more pronounced malty caramel and roasted malt flavour,” said McArthur.
The extended boil also concentrates the sugars giving a beer that is fuller bodied and higher in alcohol (6.7%), making it suitable as a ‘winter warmer’ for that fireside sip. Hops are used in moderation allowing the malt sweetness to dominate.
Mad Brewer’s Wee Highlander, which is best served in a “thistle glass” will be available nationwide on tap in selected venues from April 19th until stocks last. Enjoy in moderation.
Tried this at Canberra Craft Beer Festival – absolutely divine!
Best served in a thistle glass, but served in a pint. Still, a good drop. Great for the season.
Good point!
Drinking this in Alchemy, Launceston. This is a beer for grown ups and perhaps the best beer experience I have had in Australia since I started coming here 20 years ago. Spent 12 years in Scotland and evokes much about the Highlands. Smoky, Peat, Caramel a welcome diversion from the hoppy IPA’s I normally embrace.