BJCP 2021 / 17C
Wee Heavy
A very malty, strong Scottish ale with caramel sweetness and a long warm finish.
- Ages well
- high strength
- amber color
- top fermented
- british isles
Serve: 52 to 58F, Snifter or thistle glass
OG1.120
1.070 to 1.130FG1.030
1.018 to 1.040IBU120
17 to 35SRM40
14 to 25ABV14%
6.5 to 10.0%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Rich caramel, toffee and toast
- Dark fruit and a hint of smoke or peat in some versions
- Alcohol warmth
- Vague
- Malty
- Better
- Caramel, toffee and dark fruit
- Best
- Strong caramel, toffee and toasted malt with raisin and plum, light alcohol, no hop
Appearance
3 pts- Deep amber to dark brown
- Clear
- Tan head
- Vague
- Brown
- Better
- Deep amber and clear
- Best
- Deep amber to brown, ruby highlights, clear, small tan head
Flavor
20 pts- Rich caramel, toffee and toast
- Dark fruit with a bit of smoke in some
- Low hop, sweet and warming finish
- Vague
- Sweet
- Better
- Caramel and dark fruit
- Best
- Strong caramel and toffee malt with dark fruit, low bitterness, sweet warming finish with a bready aftertaste
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Full body
- Low carbonation
- Thick, warming
- Vague
- Thick
- Better
- Full and warming
- Best
- Full body, thick and chewy, noticeable warmth, low carbonation
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Depth without cloying
Drops it
- Syrupy sweetness
- Hot alcohol
Writing tip
Say whether sweetness is balanced. Example: 'Caramel and toffee with dark fruit and warming finish. Sweet but not cloying.'
Pour these
- Wee HeavyBelhaven BreweryCaramel and toffee
- Traquair House AleTraquair HouseComplex dark fruit and caramel
- Dirty BastardFounders BrewingA US take with more hop and fruit
Often confused with
- 14C Scottish ExportScottish Export is much lighter
- 17D English BarleywineEnglish Barleywine is more bitter and fruity
Fine here
- Alcoholic: Warmth is expected
- Estery: Dark fruit is expected
Ruinous here
- Solvent: Hot, harsh alcohol
- Diacetyl: Butter
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.