Scotch Ale or Wee Heavy
British Origin Ale · Brewers Association 2025
15 SRM30 SRM
- OG
- 1.072 – 1.085
- FG
- 1.016 – 1.028
- ABV
- 6.6 – 8.5 %
- IBU
- 25 – 35
- Color
British Origin Ale · Brewers Association 2025
Pleasant, low-level oxidation is acceptable in Scotch Ales. Examples exhibiting more prevalent oxidation are categorized as Aged Beer. While there are conflicting theories as to whether traditional Scotch Ales exhibited peat smoke character, the current marketplace offers many examples with peat smoke character present at low to medium levels. Peat smoke attributes may be absent or present at low to medium levels. Versions exhibiting higher levels of smoke character are categorized as Smoke Beer. When using these guidelines as the basis for evaluating entries at competitions, competition organizers may create subcategories which reflect groups of entries based on presence or absence of peat smoke-derived attributes.
Light reddish-brown to very dark
Chill haze is acceptable at low temperatures
Scotch Ales are aggressively malty with a rich and dominant sweet malt aroma and flavor. A caramel character is often part of the profile. Dark roasted malt flavors may be present at low levels.
Not present to very low
Not present to very low
Fruity esters, if present, are generally at low levels. Diacetyl is usually absent in these beers but may be present at low levels.
Full
Brew to this style
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Style guideline data is the work of its respective publishers, reproduced here for reference: BJCP · Brewers Association · Norbrygg · SHBF · Danske Øldommere.