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Dan Martich's picture

Tale of the Shony Scottish Ale

March, 2016
Judges Rating: 
86
Aroma: 
22 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
34 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
8 / 10
Overall Impression: 
16 / 20

This is a medium-light, brown-colored ale with orange hues, and its slightly hazy appearance doesn't detract from the overall effect. The moderately foamy head is light tan with low head retention. The aroma of light caramel is layered within malt aromas of nutty, toffee and light roast character alongside some dark fruit esters. In the flavor we find moderate bready and caramel notes with very low malt sweetness. This beer finishes dry and malty with low hop bitterness that further extends the dryness. There are some slight butterscotch notes and medium-rich melanoidins as it warms. The body comes in at medium-full with a highly carbonated mouthfeel.  A medium alcohol warmth delivers low creaminess without astringency. This Scottish Export style pairs well with a hearty beef stew to cozy up to the rich malt flavors.