Rohrbach Brewing Company: Scotch Ale

ABV: 6.8%

IBU: 16

Availability: Year-round

@untappd says: 3.83/5

I need to keep emptying the archives, so it’s time for another Flashback Friday on the Sill!

What’s a Scotch Ale? Yep, they’re from Scotland, but there’s more to it than that. According to Hop Culture Magazine, Scottish Ales were traditionally either “light” (under 3.5% ABV), “Heavy” (between 3.5% and 4% ABV), “export” (between 4% and 5.5% ABV) or “wee heavy” (over 6%). Over the years, this “wee heavy” category has pretty much grown to be synonymous with the term Scotch Ale. These beers are hefty in ABV, very rich and malty, and range from light copper to dark brown in color. Don’t look for a hoppy flavor, either. Scotland’s climate isn’t great for hop production, so these beers don’t rely too heavily on them for much.

Rochester, New York’s Rohrbach Brewing Company takes pride in its Scotch Ale. In fact, the wee heavy is considered the brewery’s flagship beer. It’s strong, malty, full-bodied and comes with a nice caramel finish that I think you’ll enjoy, if you’re into that kind of thing. I liked it!

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