BJCP 2021 / 14B
Scottish Heavy
A malty, easy ale with caramel depth and low hop.
- Drink fresh
- session strength
- amber color
- top fermented
- british isles
Serve: 50 to 55F, Pint or thistle glass
OG1.120
1.035 to 1.040FG1.030
1.010 to 1.015IBU120
10 to 20SRM40
12 to 20ABV14%
3.3 to 3.9%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Caramel, toast and a touch of fruit
- Slight smoky or earthy note
- No hop
- Vague
- Malty
- Better
- Caramel and toast
- Best
- Low to moderate caramel and toast malt aroma, faint fruit, no hop
Appearance
3 pts- Amber to copper
- Clear
- Off-white head
- Vague
- Amber
- Better
- Copper and clear
- Best
- Amber to copper, clear, off-white head with modest retention
Flavor
20 pts- Caramel, toast and a touch of biscuit
- Light sweetness, low bitterness
- Medium-dry finish
- Vague
- Malty
- Better
- Caramel malt with soft finish
- Best
- Moderate caramel and toasted malt, low bitterness, medium-dry finish with a soft malty aftertaste
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Medium-light to medium body
- Low to medium carbonation
- Smooth
- Vague
- Smooth
- Better
- Medium body and smooth
- Best
- Medium-light to medium body, smooth, low to medium carbonation
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Malt layering
Drops it
- Sweet cloying
- Hop emphasis
Writing tip
Mark the malt, hunt for restraint. Example: 'Caramel and toast with low bitterness. Balanced without hop distraction.'
Pour these
- Belhaven BestBelhaven BrewerySoft caramel and a gentle dry finish
Often confused with
- 14A Scottish LightScottish Light is thinner and lower in alcohol
- 14C Scottish ExportScottish Export is stronger
Fine here
- Diacetyl: A faint trace is traditional
- Estery: Light fruit is fine
Ruinous here
- Oxidized: Stale
- 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.