Popular Scottish Beer Styles
Ales: Traditional and Full-Flavoured
Scottish ales are celebrated for their rich, malty character and nuanced flavours. They are typically less hoppy than some other ale styles, focusing instead on malt sweetness and complexity.
Scottish Ale is a classic style that varies from light to heavy, with an emphasis on malty sweetness and caramel flavours. It’s often described as smooth, with a gentle, toasty character and a low bitterness. Belhaven Best is a widely recognised example of a Scottish ale. It has a smooth, malty profile with notes of caramel and a subtle hop bitterness. Belhaven Best is a popular choice in the UK, available in many pubs and supermarkets.
Innis & Gunn Original is another notable Scottish ale, known for its unique ageing process. This beer is aged in oak barrels, which imparts a rich, complex flavour with hints of vanilla, toffee, and a subtle smokiness. It’s a smooth, well-balanced ale that stands out for its distinctive taste. Innis & Gunn beers are widely available in the UK, often found in craft beer shops and mainstream retailers.
Tennent’s Lager is another staple in Scotland, known for its traditional lager style. It has a clean, crisp flavour with a slight malt sweetness and a mild bitterness. It’s a popular beer for its refreshing qualities and is readily available throughout the UK.
IPAs and Pale Ales: Modern and Hoppy
In recent years, Scotland’s craft beer scene has embraced the IPA (India Pale Ale) and pale ale styles, known for their hoppy character and bold flavours.
BrewDog Punk IPA is a standout example of a Scottish IPA, renowned for its vibrant hop flavours and aromas. It features notes of tropical fruit, citrus, and pine, balanced by a malty backbone. BrewDog, based in Aberdeen, has gained a significant following both in Scotland and internationally, with its beers being widely available in the UK and beyond.
Williams Brothers Brewing Co. offers a variety of craft beers, including their Joker IPA. This IPA is known for its bright, hoppy flavour with hints of grapefruit and pine, combined with a smooth malt character. Williams Brothers beers are available in the UK and are appreciated for their quality and creativity.
Dark Beers: Rich and Robust
Scottish brewers also produce a selection of dark beers, which are known for their rich, complex flavours and full-bodied character.
Orkney Dark Island is a notable Scottish dark ale with a robust flavour profile. It offers rich malt notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel, balanced by a smooth, slightly roasted finish. This beer is appreciated for its depth and complexity and is available in the UK through various specialty beer retailers.
Harviestoun Old Engine Oil is another example of a Scottish dark beer, specifically a black ale. It has a rich, velvety texture with flavours of roasted malt, coffee, and chocolate, complemented by a subtle hop bitterness. Harviestoun beers are well-regarded in the UK, and Old Engine Oil is a favourite among those who enjoy a rich, robust ale.
Scottish Craft Beers: Innovation and Variety
Scotland’s craft beer movement has brought a new level of creativity and variety to its beer scene. Many small breweries are experimenting with styles and ingredients, producing beers that are both innovative and high-quality.
BrewDog is perhaps the most famous Scottish craft brewery, known for its wide range of beers and bold flavours. From Punk IPA to more experimental brews, BrewDog has established itself as a major player in the UK craft beer scene, with its beers available in many UK pubs, bars, and supermarkets.
Fyne Ales is another prominent Scottish craft brewery, known for its range of traditional and innovative beers. Their Jarl is a popular session pale ale, offering a bright, hoppy flavour with notes of citrus and a clean, refreshing finish. Fyne Ales beers are increasingly available in the UK, particularly in craft beer shops and bars.
Scottish Beers in the UK
Scottish beers have a strong presence in the UK, with a range of styles available in supermarkets, pubs, and craft beer shops. Beers like Belhaven Best, Innis & Gunn Original, and Tennent’s Lager are widely recognised and enjoyed for their quality and tradition. The craft beer scene, led by breweries like BrewDog and Williams Brothers, continues to grow, offering a diverse selection of hoppy IPAs, rich dark ales, and innovative brews.
Overall, Scottish beers provide a rich tapestry of flavours and styles that reflect the country’s brewing heritage and modern craft innovation. Whether you’re enjoying a traditional ale, a bold IPA, or a robust dark beer, Scottish beers offer a satisfying and distinctive drinking experience.
