Belhaven Scottish Ale - Belhaven Brewery Company Ltd.

Thaddeus

Michigan

3.11/5  rDev -18.2%
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25

Appearance: Clear amber ale with a small off-white head. Beer is light and thin in body with a short finish.

Aroma & Taste: Not an overpowering nose, some malty and roasted nut notes. Has a slight chocolate taste to it. Overall this beer is similar in taste and style to a Guinness.

Serving type: can

04-26-2013 16:38:54 | More by Thaddeus

Steamer

Missouri

3.38/5  rDev -11.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: caramel color with half inch cream colored head; the froth looks almost like cream floating on the top.
Smell: not much aroma, light malt
Taste: pecans, malt forward but the hops comes through also; very smooth.
Mouthfeel: light texture and easy going down. low carbonation.
Overall; Good but on the milder and less complex side of the style,

Serving type: can

04-22-2013 23:58:23 | More by Steamer

StonedTrippin

Colorado

3.85/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

perhaps my favorite beer in the nitro can. this one pours the sexiest of dark copper tones, with a glorious nitro tap looking milky white froth head with damn fine retention. yummy! the nose is dry malt in the middle of the spectrum and some very simple and to the point ale yeast. some mineral aromatics too, very organic nature to this. the flavor is also decidedly malt forward, and while the finish is a tad on the bitter side, its not from hops as far as I can tell, but rather the combination of well toasted cereal grains and the nitro can, which always bitters a beer up a little on my palate, maybe just me... mouthfeel of course makes this one, with a milkshake style foaminess to it and a delicate character despite being extremely full bodied and quite rich actually. maybe three cans is the right amount of this, as any more might get filling and any less seems to not quite get to the heart of my thirst. perfectly suited to the nitro can, this is one of my favorite regular imports.

Serving type: nitro-can

03-04-2013 16:03:23 | More by StonedTrippin

ThisWangsChung

Maryland

3.76/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

16 oz can poured into a nonic pint glass. I had to salvage this one after it fell and sprung a leak - we'll see how it's held up...

A: Pours a orange copper color with moderate clarity. The head is a one finger heavy cream shade. In true nitro-can fashion, it retains beautifully with a wondrous texture.

S: Not as muted as I come to expect from the serving style. There are lots of dark fruits, some lighter fruits, chocolate, caramel, cream, and even a touch of hops.

T: The flavor profile introduces both a smoky and even a leathery dimension to things. The mustiness works pretty well with its fruity, caramel-laden flavor profile. A hint of leafy, herbal hops really finish things well. Surprisingly, it even has a bit of depth to it.

M: A bit on the watery side, as expected. Despite that, there's a good mixture of creaminess and crisp, palate-clearing dryness. The lack of carbonation fits the mouthfeel qualities well.

O: This would make a good everyday drinker. It's definitely the most interesting nitro-can beer I've ever had before.

Serving type: nitro-can

03-01-2013 02:37:45 | More by ThisWangsChung

TheBrewWhisperer

4.04/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Appearence: poors a golden flow of copper goodness with a nice 1 inch white head.

Smell: smells of dried coffee beans, with sweet malt toffee, little bit of hop and a predominant skunk (which all beer lovers should enjoy)

Taste: A soft caramel flavor with coffee like malt flavor from the front end of your mouth down to the taste of a plum and other dark fruits.

Mouth feel: a soft fast gulp finish, a good beer for those who like to sip and drink at the same time, i could call this one of the most sessioned beers of the season, this is what i call a Grade B+ ale, for those who want to get into Scottish ales i have no problem recommending this to my friends and beer buddies anytime.

Serving type: bottle

02-16-2013 00:57:10 | More by TheBrewWhisperer

Mendelbaum

4.9/5  rDev +28.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I really enjoyed this beer. Outstanding nutty flavor that even my wife liked. The finish was clean. Aroma was inviting. I would drink this all day long. I was doing a little Ale comparison and put it up agains Mirror Pond. I enjoyed the Mirror Pond but this was superior.

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2013 00:22:11 | More by Mendelbaum

JohnGalt1

Idaho

3.64/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

Picked this one off the shelf at the COOP tonight.. Nitro can scared the kitties and me too.. Poured into my Shorts Imperial pint.. obviously expected nitro tannish head with a very clear amber brew.

Nose is muted by the nitrogen... light caramel and lesser fruitiness.. very light toasty malt and some grassy hops...

Big malt profile on the palate.. toasty and caramel.. hoppiness is at the expected minimum..

medium/light body despite the low ABV.. this one is a tavern drinker.. A nice low ABV brew to enjoy with the game.

3.5/3.5/3.75/3.75/3.5

Serving type: nitro-can

02-09-2013 06:44:52 | More by JohnGalt1

PorterLambic

Florida

3.76/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Medium/dark amber color w/a huge, creamy head that waterfalls (like a Guinness) down to a 1" firm, creamy, tan head that lasts all the way to the bottom of the glass. Amazing lace.
Smell was malt with a whiff of hops and perhaps a hint of wood and smoke?
Taste was malty, nutty, but not too complex. A hint of smoke late in the glass as the temperature rose.
Medium bodied, smooth, light effervescence, easily quaffable. A little watery, though.
Easily drinkable, pretty good flavor, low alcohol. A serious contender when looking for a sessionable brew.

Serving type: nitro-tap

02-03-2013 18:11:26 | More by PorterLambic

burnerfinger

Texas

3.05/5  rDev -19.7%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

bought this one just because:

poured from the 500 ml bottle into my new belgium goblet:

A pours super clear = copper red with decent head (about 1 finger) and lacing.
head settled quick...

S VERY SKUNKED. (clear bottle) honestly not much else makes it thru to the nose

T - a bit flavorless IMHO - hoping to get more as it warms

M = not bad here, carbonation just right.

D - drinkalbe enuf that I'll finish the pint

most likely im moving on to the next ....

Serving type: bottle

01-20-2013 04:46:29 | More by burnerfinger

MaximalC

Illinois

3.05/5  rDev -19.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 1.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.25

Pours translucent caramel in color with an ample off-white head. Aroma is considerably skunked, no doubt on account of the clear glass used for bottling. Some trace sugars can be found lurking behind the skunky smell if you look. Pleasant, frothy lacing clings to the glass as the beer descends.

Taste comes on mild and balanced at first, but overt sweetness sets in in the finish. We're not talking complex or subtle sweetness, either; this is more like raw sugar with a dose of caramel. Hops are difficult to detect until after the cloying sweetness has subsided. The best thing this brew has going for it is the mouthfeel, which is semi-creamy, with a carbonation level that lends some vitality on the tongue. Any more carbonation and it might be a bit much, but I think it works as is.

Overall, this Scottish ale is alright if you can tolerate the sweetness, but it can be readily bypassed for superior alternatives.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2013 01:57:44 | More by MaximalC

UCLABrewN84

California

3.88/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a clear copper with a foamy tan head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Foamy streaks of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of toasted malt, nuts, and a slight caramel aroma. Taste is much the same with a nice malt flavor that lingers on the finish. There is a mild amount of hop bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer that is tasty and easy to drink.

Serving type: bottle

01-04-2013 02:02:48 | More by UCLABrewN84

Luigi

North Carolina

4.18/5  rDev +10%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours out a rich ruby color with a large sticky off white head. The lace sticks all around the glass and retains until the last sip.

The aroma rich with semi sweet roasted malt, with hints of hazelnut and a whiskey like smokiness.

Toasted malt with hints of caramel, toffee, and a single malt scotch smokiness surround the palate. There is a hint of herbal, medicinal hop bitterness blended with a semi-dry smokey finish, some buttery diacetyl.

Medium bodied yet slick on the palate and goes down easy with some mild carbonation.

Overall, this ale is delicious. If you are in to malty ales with a bit of smokiness you are in for a treat.

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2012 04:42:26 | More by Luigi

DaveBlack

Virginia

3.68/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: I'm going to call this an auburn beer. Maybe 1/2 finger's worth of creamy head (thanks, nitro-can) that has a very long retention.

S: Malty sweet, with caramel and toasted grains. a good smelling beer, but nothing exceptional or overly interesting.

T: Caramel, toasted grains, and a touch of the diacetyl "butterscotch" flavor. The end of the beer has a very slight hop kiss. I wish that there was a bit more to finish out the beer, because it comes across as a little watery.

M: big, creamy body without much carbonation.

O: While there is nothing all that stand-out about this beer, it is just a solid, very drinkable brew.

Serving type: nitro-can

12-04-2012 22:51:39 | More by DaveBlack

searsclone

Arizona

3.13/5  rDev -17.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3

bottle into a pint glass

copper color with a super sticky, velvety white head. tons of lace.

smell is mostly skunk, probably from the clear glass in the bottle, and a touch of spice.

taste is smoke and dark malts, nice balance

mouth is velvety smooth and creamy. easy to drink

overall, just average from the bottle. I would like to try this from a can or tap, as I imagine it is much better. I assume the bottle doesn't do it justice

Serving type: bottle

12-02-2012 01:49:18 | More by searsclone

Ryan011235

Ohio

4/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a nonic pint glass on 12/1/12

Wooden, tobacco brown color after the foam settles. One thumb, smooth head has excellent staying power. Two lasting pillars of lace are parted by the beer when taking drinks.

Caramel, figs and raisin bread comprise much of the aroma. Hints of fall leaves, herbal/earthy hops and a hint of nutty overtone. A strong toffee note emerges as the beer warms.

The flavor is far more earthy with a decent semblance of black walnuts. The middle has a dry caramel/bread combo that fits in nicely. The finish has a moderate leafy bitterness. Faint hints of cocoa and molasses hidden in the mix.

The feel is a medium-thin, light feel with smooth fluidity from the nitrogen.

Very easy to drink considering the giving feel and reasonable abv. Simple and enjoyable.

Serving type: nitro-can

12-01-2012 19:10:13 | More by Ryan011235

pkalix

California

4.73/5  rDev +24.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

ya know, i read the last guy's review on this and TOTALLY get what he meant by the 'butterscotch' aromas....
nice color (orange-y, brown), nice head, beautiful beer when poured.
smell is ... typically english/scotch with that curious 'butterscotch' aroma....
taste is... awesome. i love this stuff. when england (or scotland) does it right, it is GOOD! too many funky, weird ones out there from those regions, but i really like this distinct style and blend. i cant describe it, but it is the german equivalent to the sweetness of a dopplebock yet not as sweet, but very satisfying and tasty. this ought to be the offical style of the 'little countries'....

Serving type: bottle

11-17-2012 02:05:26 | More by pkalix

Darkmagus82

Montana

3.78/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from bottle into pint glass

I had this beer in nitro can format before and this is quite different (and better) then standard carbonation format in my opinion.

Appearance – Pours a deep copper-amber color with a two finger white head. The head fades over a moderate amount of time to give a nice level of lacing.

Smell – The smell is of a bready and caramel nature mixed with some butterscotch aromas.

Taste – A bready and sweet caramel flavor greet the tongue. These flavors create a base for the taste in which other flavors then enter upon. A butterscotch and buttery flavor come to the tongue giving it a more “savory” taste. These flavors are met with some slightly roasted malt flavors more toward the end of the taste and leave a rather caramel and butterscotch sweet and roasted flavor on the tongue.

Mouthfeel – The body of the beer is just below average in terms of thickness/creaminess with a carbonation level that is average. As I predicted in my previous review, this carbonation and feel suits the flavors of the beer much better than the nitro driven can. Quite nice.

Overall – This is the way in which this beer should be enjoyed. The “standard carbonation” really is much nicer for the blend of sweet, buttery, and roasted flavors of the brew the nitro. If you go for a Belhaven Scottish ale I say go for the non nitro. Quite nice (odd as I normally prefer the nitro driven body).

Serving type: bottle

11-14-2012 02:28:37 | More by Darkmagus82

Breen

Kansas

4/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pour/Appearance: Chestnut brown hue with a thin head and slightly below average retention/lacing. Large chunks of yeast were floating in the bottle, mostly towards the bottom.

Smell: The smell is mostly mash/wort with a hint of caramel.

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation.

Taste: Smoked peat, caramel.

Overall: The character is what one would expect a scottish ale to be. It tastes of the earth and the malts that make it up. The bottle describes a mix of malt and nutty flavor. Nutty did not come to mind, but I suppose I could get there.

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2012 01:35:15 | More by Breen

jimilayne

New York

5/5  rDev +31.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Beautiful full, 2 finger head and the body is one of the most beautiful amber / copper colors I've seen.

Hints of caramel, malt, and toffee in the smell and taste.

Perfect light creamy feel. This stuff goes down smoothly.

One of my favorite beers.

Serving type: on-tap

10-26-2012 02:06:21 | More by jimilayne

DavoleBomb

Ohio

3.85/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured into a perfect pint from a clear glass bottle....ugh.

4.0 A: Clear, very light brown color. One finger of frothy beige head. Retention is about average and a decent sized ring of lacing is left.

3.5 S: Lots of toastiness with an equally potent mineral component. A bit of skunkiness, but it's not bad. It actually kind of works with the nose. A bit of caramel, but dry overall.

4.0 T: The taste is much cleaner than the nose. Lots of toastiness, grainy malts, caramel, mineral. Again dry, but not unbalanced. Tasty, earthy beer.

3.5 M: Lighter medium body. Good moderate carbonation. Lacking creaminess and could be a bit thicker, but good enough.

4.0 D: Pleasant, easy drinking beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-06-2012 22:08:50 | More by DavoleBomb

Fatehunter

Oregon

3.98/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Draught can. Beautiful pour. Dark amber color with a finger and half of foam head. Excellent looking.
Smells like ripe fruits, plum and pear. Wet grain too.
Super sweet taste overall. Malty with barely any bitterness to it. Some bread taste.
Smooth and creamy texture with almost no carbonation.
Absolutely enjoyable.

Serving type: nitro-can

10-05-2012 22:50:43 | More by Fatehunter

LiquidAmber

Washington

3.73/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured into a MacAndrew's thistle glass. Pours from a nitro can to a full glass of foam which dissipates quickly into a glass of slighty cloudy, coppery amber beer with a fine two finger light tan head with good retention and lacing. Nice aroma of caramel malt, a hint of toasted malt and toffee. Flavor follows, but much more subdued. Light caramel, sweet malt, a hint of peat, finishing with slight hops, a bit sour. The flavors are attenuated; very pleasant but too light for my taste. The "nitro" widget gives this light bodied beer a hint of creaminess, but also seems to sap the remaining carbonation, giving it a bit of a flat mouth feel. This is still far better than my last Belhaven Scottish Ale, which came in a clear bottle and was badly skunked. With the light flavoring, I see why that one was a complete disaster. A nice, pleasant scottish ale, but somewhat bland.

Serving type: nitro-can

09-25-2012 02:56:49 | More by LiquidAmber

KDawg

Illinois

3.33/5  rDev -12.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

poured from nitro-tap into a pint glass. Pours an amber color with a foamy head.

Well balanced and good aromas of toffee, malts, and warm caramel. Decent depth to it, but focuses more on balance.

Medium bodied with a very smooth feel. It is lacking a bit in flavor on the mid and finish, but nice and balanced with notes of toffee and caramel.

A quality scottish ale at a lower abv. If there was more on the mid and finish I'd love it, but it's still a good drink and enjoyable.

Serving type: nitro-tap

09-24-2012 02:28:53 | More by KDawg

schoolboy

Ohio

3.6/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I have been a fan of Scottish ales for a relatively short amount of time. I used to dislike them for their dark bitterness. Now I try to enjoy them. This one is more indicative of why I did not like them. It has a bitterness and strange malty taste unique to the genre.

Its a bit cloudy with very good head. The aroma is the best part - sweet yet hoppy. It smells fresh. Unfortunately, the taste does not follow suit - it tastes stale and slightly sour. Although this one ale won't sour me to the style, it reminds me of why I used to dislike this style.

Serving type: bottle

09-22-2012 20:53:46 | More by schoolboy

ACD

4.28/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Nitro-can

appearance- Love how it looks and poured similar looking to other nitro beers such as Murphy's and Guinness!

smell- A great classic smell. Nothing over powering but how a great Scottish ale should be

taste- very smooth and much easier drinking than you would expect to me this is one of the great classic beers!

mouth-feel- I love smooth beers and Belhaven is in my top 10!

overall- Belhaven Scottish Ale is a great beer I love to get it around the holidays A great staple to have when you want to have a 2 or 3 heavier beers in the winter months!

Serving type: nitro-can

09-20-2012 17:15:20 | More by ACD