Another Scottish beverage to follow on the Robbie Burns theme started by RS, our own Cranky Old Bard in his recent review. If you aren’t familiar with Robbie Burns, then you need to read Second Degree Burns by RS to catch up. You won’t find any Scottish phrases here, I don’t have the talent to pull that off. You also won’t find any mention of RA, as I don’t want him to think that he is mentioned in every Cranky review now.
This brew is a rich, dark colour with a taste to match. It isn’t overpowering at all – the can says it is “Smooth & Mellow” and I have to agree on this one. Pairs well with winter weather and the rich flavour goes down with ease while watching Hockey Night in Canada, or whatever winter sport you are into. I guess that includes football as the pinnacle of the football season is always in the middle of winter. You might think the football folks are encroaching on the rightful hockey time of year – but then again, the Stanley cup is usually hoisted in the middle of summer, so it goes both ways.
Back to the beer. This one is called “Scottish Ale” – very straightforward naming which is consistent with the Scottish brand. A product of Highlander Brew Company up in North Bay where they have been making this brew for over 10 years, which is saying something in the fast moving, small batch craft beer business. Even though the name of the Brewery is Highlander, they added a couple of antlers to their logo on the can so you can’t mistake that this is brewed from Northern Ontario. It all ties together with Scotland being in the north of the British Isles and the deep red of the can matching the traditional kilts of Scotland.
No fancy marketing schemes here. They claim a smooth and mellow session ale and that is exactly what they deliver. Smooth taste, with dark wood and some nutty taste with just a hint of sweetness. A fine brew for toasting that Robbie Burns guy.
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