BJCP 2021 / 14A
Scottish Light
A malt-led session ale with caramel sweetness and a soft, low-alcohol finish.
- Drink fresh
- session strength
- amber color
- top fermented
- british isles
Serve: 48 to 54F, Pint or thistle glass
OG1.120
1.030 to 1.035FG1.030
1.010 to 1.013IBU120
10 to 20SRM40
17 to 25ABV14%
2.5 to 3.3%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Light caramel and toast
- Hint of fruit or smoke from the malt
- No hop
- Vague
- Malty
- Better
- Light caramel and toast
- Best
- Low caramel and toasted malt aroma, faint fruit, no hop
Appearance
3 pts- Deep amber to dark copper
- Clear
- Off-white head, small
- Vague
- Amber
- Better
- Copper and clear
- Best
- Deep amber to copper, clear, thin off-white head
Flavor
20 pts- Caramel, toast and light biscuit malt
- Slightly sweet, with low bitterness
- Soft finish
- Vague
- Malty
- Better
- Caramel and toast, soft finish
- Best
- Low to moderate caramel and toast malt, low bitterness, soft slightly sweet finish, no hop flavor
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Light to medium-light body
- Low to medium carbonation
- Smooth
- Vague
- Thin
- Better
- Light body, smooth
- Best
- Light body, soft and smooth, low to medium carbonation
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Maltiness at low gravity
Drops it
- Thin watery body
- Harsh bitterness
Writing tip
Judge malt at low gravity. Example: 'Caramel and toast, soft finish. Nice malt depth for the strength.'
Pour these
No examples chosen yet.
Often confused with
- 14B Scottish HeavyScottish Heavy is a bit stronger and fuller
- 13A Dark MildDark Mild has roast and dark fruit
Fine here
- Diacetyl: A faint buttery trace is tolerated
- Estery: Light fruit is fine
Ruinous here
- Oxidized: Stale in a delicate beer
- Sour/Acidic: Infection
Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.