Semi-interesting deep amber full body brings creamy caramelized honey malting to cane-sugared grape-orange-cherry waver and biscuit-y bottom end, but gratingly sharp phenol hop bite overwhelms flavor profile. Moreover, partially disguised 10% alcohol boozing tempers hollow fruit-grained finish and tertiary macadamia-walnut remnant.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: ERIE BREW. CO., ERIE, PA.
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: SILVER CITY BREW. CO., SILVERDALE, WA.
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Creamy Scotch sweetness and nutty brown chocolate-y center hold up well against dry fruited plain of formerly known Fat Bastard Ale (named after Austin Powers character). Praline, hazelnut, macadamia, and chestnut reinforce rum-soaked dried cherry resolve and sugar plum reminder. Smooth.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: BRASSERIE DIEU DU CIEL, MONTREAL, CANADA
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Boozy (9.5% alcohol) toffee-hazed Scotch Ale brewed with maple syrup makes fine dessert beer. Smoky maple-glazed brown-sugared butterscotch center appropriates creamy caramel-chocolate malting for alcohol-burnt banana liqueur, burgundy, and brandy whir. Recessive cocoa-buttered raisin-plum illusions linger politely below.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: ALESMITH BREW. CO., SAN DIEGO, CA.
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Stellar cola-hued garnet-highlighted Scotch ale swamps palate with resilient whiskey-licked anise spunk and syrupy molasses gunk. Frothy black chocolate and sticky toffee fortify creamy center as smoked peat malts shadow tertiary tobacco chew, black currant, Amaretto, and spiced rum illusions.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: ARCADIA BREW. CO., BATTLE CREEK, MI.
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Redolent of a sweet chocolate-y bock up-front, though unsettled malt protraction lacks distinction and banana-cherry serenity falters when warmed. Oily metallic finish hinders oak-y hazelnut retreat.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: CALEDONIAN BREWERY, EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Stalwart Scotch essence reigns above fleshy-headed dark amber ale. Sinewy malts prompt barley sweetness countering crisp hop bitterness before passive dry maize finish diminishes boozy harshness.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: FOUNDERS BREW. CO., GRAND RAPIDS, MI.
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Bold port surge, lactose chocolate liqueur waft, and punctual dry cocoa-flaked oat merger consume fulsome mocha frontage. Creamy vanilla milkshake illusion seduces blunt astringent finish propped up by raisin, peat, and black cherry notes.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: FRENCH BROAD BREW. CO., ASHEVILLE, N.C.
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Though medium-bodied Scotch ale lacks aggressiveness and has roundabout nature, its coarse elements never debunk dried fruited nature. Fungi peat-smoked earthen wood tone and dry tobacco continence rendezvous with rotted orange, fig, and date souring on cider-y back end. Dirty flattened-out finish picks up wavered walnut and unrefined cocoa illusions plus soapy residue. Creamier tap version upped brown chocolate and toffee notes to better emulate rich dessert beer.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: FRENCH BROAD BREW. CO., ASHEVILLE, N.C.
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Fascinating overall depth allows stylistic merger to sustain unique brilliance. Scotch-styled molasses malts intermingle with Belgian candied yeast, inducing spellbinding dried fruit/ red wine coalition. Bittersweet raisin puree and stewed prune illusions enjoin boozy bourbon, brandy, Merlot, and burgundy intoxication for fuzzy-brained enjoyment.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: HARPOON BREWERIES, BOSTON, MA.
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Tawny amber hued ‘wee heavy’ bestows honeyed wheat continuance upon roasted nut and cocoa hints. Sweet Scotch malt finish picks up creamy lactose luster absorbing bright orange-apricot tang, sugarplum delicacy, and leathery peat nuance.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: HEAVYWEIGHT BREW. CO., OCEAN TOWNSHIP, N.J.
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Wonderfully smooth deep brown full body with dry powdered cocoa permeation and tingly candied liqueur sentiment leaves fleshy yeast clumps at glass bottom. Sweet chocolate midst gathers smoked peat malts and pliant almond-hazelnut toasting secured by roasted hop plethora.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: SAMUEL SMITH BREWERY, YORKS, ENGLAND
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Pouring like an expensive champagne, this tawny wheat-thickened ale coats the tongue with caramel malts, sweet plum, and barleywine notes. An unsophisticated pleasure filling the middle ground between Samuel Smith IPA from Samuel Adams Scotch Ale.