scotch ale

Strong amber beer

Scotch ale is a strong, malty beer style originating in Scotland, characterized by rich caramel flavors, low hop bitterness, and a smooth, full body.

The style emphasizes malt sweetness over the hop-forward profiles of English ales.

Also called Scottish ale, though that term sometimes refers to lighter Scottish beers: We split a scotch ale by the fire.

Related
  • maltSprouted grain for brewing
  • caramelCooked sugar confection
  • amberHardened ancient tree secretion
  • EdinburghScotland's seat of government
  • highlandElevated, mountainous land

beer style · peat · smoky · warming · hearty · robust · toffee · copper · cask · old world · pub · fireside · winter · strong · rich · biscuit · whisky · oak aged

Opposites
beer color/body

scotch alepilsner

Crisp, golden Czech-style brew

light lager · IPA · India pale ale · pale ale · witbier

flavor profile

scotch aleIPA

Sound notation system

India pale ale · double IPA · bitter · pilsner

geographic brewing tradition

scotch aleBelgian ale

Beer from Flanders region

Bavarian beer · Irish stout

Family

scotch, ale, Scotch, Scottish, Scotland, Scot, Scots, ales, alewife

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated PG