scotach wee heavy

Wee Heavy is not only the Scottish term for something that is a bit heavy, but also the name of a beer style from there. This extra-strong version of a classic Scottish ale is fermented with a special yeast and at slightly colder temperatures than the traditional ale. The result is a full, straightforward taste that revolves mainly around the malt.

The Irish brewery Rye River Brewing Co. likes to drink a Wee Heavy every now and then and has therefore decided to bring out its own interpretation of it. The Scotach (Irish-English for "Scottish") Wee Heavy is a barrel-aged variant of the traditional Wee Heavy and brings an impressive 10.0% alcohol content to the table. The malt-accentuated brew presents itself in a rusty light brown in the glass and is adorned with a fine-pored crown of ivory-colored foam. A scent of oven-fresh shortbread (Scottish biscuits made from sugar, butter and flour) rises to the nose and awakens the thirst. A warming symphony of full, sun-ripened grain, crumbly pastries, marzipan and sweet cherries enchants the palate. Storage in the barrel gives the beer’s natural aromas a complex intensity and also contributes spicy vanilla and earthy wood notes. The alcohol is skilfully integrated into the taste and provides a fiery warmth that delights body and soul.