Organic Great Scot Pale Ale - The Caledonian Brewing Company

bret27

California

3.08/5  rDev -7.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5

courtesy of trader joe's

S: Floral herbal hoppiness and a little residual sweetness. clean, smells a bit like pilsner urquell.

A: normal yellow w/minimal fizzy head

T: Clean water. Semi-sweet malt, honey, barely some herbal hops

M/D: Fairly thin. Fairly good drinkability, much like a refreshing glass of water.

Overall: Tastes more like a pilsener than a pale ale, even an English one. Even as a pils it's pretty weak.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2010 05:24:20 | More by bret27

brheuer

New Jersey

2/5  rDev -39.9%

03-24-2013 20:29:45 | More by brheuer

mikeg67

New Jersey

2.25/5  rDev -32.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

500 ml bottle from Trader Joe's. Pours hazy golden with foamy white head. Aroma is of apple juice with hints of hops. Medium, somewhat syrupy body. Flavor of apples, biscuit malt and buckwheat grain with some hints of earthy hops. Finish is light and dry. I will skip this one next time.

Serving type: bottle

12-07-2010 20:29:01 | More by mikeg67

TheHoppiest

Ohio

3.45/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 500 ml bottle into a pint glass. The wife picked this up for me at Trader Joe's; let's see how she did.

Pours a hazy wheat yellow, with a foamy white head that after a brief carbonation fizz begins to pillow unevenly down.

Smells of sour wet grass, some lemon, and barley malt. Not very pleasant.

Taste thankfully is better than it smells. Mildly hoppy, slightly crisp, sweeter than you'd expect, and some lemony bitter at the end. Better for a warm day than a cool night like tonight. Not sure the "organic" nature of this beer is adding anything for me.

Mouthfeel is slightly creamy, though certainly rather thin.

Once you get past the cheesy label, its not a bad beer. Would likely have this one again.

Serving type: bottle

09-06-2010 02:19:34 | More by TheHoppiest

GreatLaura

Ohio

4.08/5  rDev +22.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

A little sweet for a pale ale. I did find out it is European but I still don't believe it should be that sweet. It is very drinkable but cold. Most pales should be slightly warm. Nice full flavor with a small after taste
There are carmel and citrus hints in this beer

Serving type: bottle

05-14-2010 08:26:27 | More by GreatLaura

Bigfatbino

California

2.05/5  rDev -38.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 1.5

A = Pale golden color, very translucent. Nice frothy head, but faded quickly, left little lacing in the glass

S = some raw alcohol smell. Smell a bit of grains also, not too much else going on here

T = The first thing I get are adjuncts, faint sweetness that becomes more pronounced, then fades to a fleeting aftertaste that lets you know that hops (at some point, briefly) were added. I expected much more from an "organic" crafted brew. It tastes...American, in a bad way.

M = Thin, watery, a bit of bubbles, followed by more thin and watery.

D = No real satisfaction for me. After drinking the pint, I really found myself wanting to go to the store to get a pint of beer to wash this down.

Serving type: bottle

05-11-2010 04:51:45 | More by Bigfatbino

Duhast500

Massachusetts

3.58/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 1pt bottle into a pint glass.

The color is a slightly cloudy orange with a finger of foamy white head and some nice lacing.

The smell is a bit fruity with some pair, some green apple and a little apricot.

The taste is starts out malty with a slight tobacco flavor. some floral hop that gets dryer as you drink it. Not a very complex taste.

The feel of beer is a bit light. It does go down well and is pretty refreshing. A beer for the warmer months.

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2010 02:01:38 | More by Duhast500

droomyster

Virginia

4.08/5  rDev +22.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

16.9 oz bottle pours a hazed gold with a big tan head that generously laces the glass. Aromas are subdued and largely of yeast with faint, nondescript malts. Fortunately it is full of excellent taste. Flavors of buttered English muffins and yeast, with very pleasant bitterness that's big on earthy, mineral elements. Eminently drinkable. Very good stuff.

Serving type: bottle

02-22-2010 07:43:11 | More by droomyster

josiahschlender

Oregon

2.9/5  rDev -12.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

This might be my first English pale ale that I've tried, despite the multitude of APAs. Pours clear, a pretty golden color with a tinge of amber. I roughed up the pour to get a moderate orange-tinged cap that leaves a bit of lacing. I like the hefty bottle and logo!

Aromas open up some with warmth. Just some faint malts and grassy hops when it's cold. Caramel and corn syrup emerge, while the hops add a bit of earth and spice after sitting a while. Good, but not too abundant.

Mild malt flavors for the most part. Some caramel sweetness, just a hint of bread with some earthy, grassy hops. I might just be imagining it, but there might be a trace of peat or smoke with moderate hop bittering on the finish. Medium body, too much carbonation gives it a spritzy feel.

Looks aside, this is a mediocre pale. It it costs too much for what it's worth. Maybe they couldn't get good enough organic ingredients? I probably won't spring for this one again.

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2010 00:12:36 | More by josiahschlender

tjd112

New Jersey

4.78/5  rDev +43.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bought this at Trader Joes in Westfield, NJ. 500mL bottle

Presentation - Poured into Sam Smith's nonic

Appearance - Yellow/apricot colour body, decent white head, little bit of lacing

Smell - Apricots and green apples

Taste - Same as smell, very balanced in terms of maltiness/hoppiness

Mouthfeel - Crisp, light to medium bodied

Drinkability - Sessionable

Overall - One of the best organic beers I have tasted.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2010 18:23:58 | More by tjd112

andrewm190

North Carolina

4.35/5  rDev +30.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this beer. I entered in assuming a decent but not particularly noteworthy beer experience. Immediately the smell hit my nose - sweet, but not overly dramatic. Nice clean finish, crisp, ready for another. A bit sweeter than I expected for a pale ale but I found it enjoyable. I highly recommend this find; I'm a bit puzzled at the mediocre reviews it has gotten thus far. I picked mine up at Trader Joe's, which is good for a hidden gem every now and again.

Serving type: bottle

01-17-2010 04:05:01 | More by andrewm190

kaseydad

California

2.85/5  rDev -14.4%
look: 2 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pours a cloudy apricot color with a nice layer of bright white foamy head which dissolves but stays throughout the session.

A slight hoppy aroma with some molasses and syrupy whiffs as well.

The taste improves at it warms a little. A lot of malt over a tiny amount of hop kick. There is a noticeable aftertaste which lingers on the buds for awhile.

Very easy drink and somewhat refreshing on a hot day (if you like this style) with multiples attainable. I just won't be the one doing it. The wife loved it but she also is a big Bud Light fan. Nuff said.

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2009 02:28:55 | More by kaseydad

alexrichman

Oregon

3.85/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This brew came from TJ's in Portland, OR in a 16.9oz bottle poured into a pint glass.

A> Really nice appearance. Light copper with a little bit of hazing. This beer poured with a nice thick head and left a small amount of lacing.

S> The malt smells very toasty for this style of beer. The hops come across very lightly with green apple and a floral smell coming through.

T> Kind of unusual compared to american pale ales but I had to keep in mind this beer came from scotland. Strong, interesting malt. The hops tasted lemony/citrusy and were pretty mild. They play nicely with the sweet finish of the beer.

M> A little too thin for my liking but the carbonation is spot on.

D> I could easily drink a few pints of this. This is a beer that I find myself liking more and more everytime I come back to it.

Serving type: bottle

11-30-2009 04:06:47 | More by alexrichman

kmadaus

California

2.1/5  rDev -36.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

This is my first review, so bear with me. Apparently I'm an "acolyte" :) I just like good beer.

A - The color was a lighter caramel color. It was a bit cloudy too. Hopefully wasn't frozen at some point. It didn't seem very carbonated at the pour.

S - The beer smelled a bit nutty for a pale ale. There was a bit of caramel scent that matched the color. It smelled quite sweet. I didn't get any hint of hops going on here even though there are pictures of hops on the label.

T - The taste was slightly sweet and nutty at first, but it doesn't linger. Slightly toasty, and very toasty for a pale ale. It certainly tasted on the maltier side. The finish is bland and short.

M - This beer is lighter on the carbonation, medium on the first sip, and thin on the finish. According to the label it is a 5.0 ABV, but it tasted like less, lighter.

D - Overall, the beer is drinkable, but it doesn't seem to fit the mold of a pale ale. But that could be my amateur-ness coming out. It was far too malty and sweet for my tastes, and even tasted like toasted malts were used in the brew. But that seems typical for the Scottish or British pales from my experience. I might have another if it were sitting in my fridge, but I wouldn't but it again if I were looking for a pale. I might buy it if I were looking for a lighter brown ale... which I would never do.

Serving type: bottle

11-15-2009 03:05:09 | More by kmadaus

Billolick

New York

3.9/5  rDev +17.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Looks like Trader Joes as been doing a lot of imoorting of this brew, as so many of the reviews note TJs as their poing of puchase. Same here, in Brooklyn NY. 16.9 ounce bottle. This one pours hazed lighter amber under a long lasting fluffy off white head, that stays and stays. Leaving a thick collar and respectable loose sheeting and plentiful bits of lacing. Light lemony nose with some toasty notes tossed into the mix. Easy drinking, moderatly hopped EPA. More light citrus hops, light toasty malts. I found this to be thoroughly enjoyable, nicely balanced, quite drinkable and well worth a try...or two...suprised by the quite low scoes for this offering. Perhaps I was lucky enough to sample a fresh bottle.

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2009 23:59:41 | More by Billolick

brewdoc75

Minnesota

2.95/5  rDev -11.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Picked this up at Trader Joes

A: Golden-yellow. Little to no lasting head. Moderate carbonation.

S: Grainy sweetness. Some corn. Floral, earthy, and herbal hops. Not terribly inviting.

T: Grainy sweetness at first followed by some herbal, earthy hops. Not too bad, but at the end, I get a hint of corn. No caramel or toffee flavors that I like in English Pales.

M: Light bodied, clean. Easy on the tongue.

D: A pretty average beer. The smell was a bit too heavy on the corn. Not sure if adjuncts were used, but I'm assuming they were based on the taste. There are much better English Pale Ales out there. Probably wouldn't get this again.

Serving type: bottle

11-10-2009 01:39:04 | More by brewdoc75

1759Girl

California

2.95/5  rDev -11.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 1 | overall: 3

Vegan? Interesting addition to the label.

Appearance> Amber-honey haze. Not lively. Small vanilla head with big bubbles. Head dissipates quickly. All in all, this looks great for its style.

Smell> hops, green apples. Excellent.

Taste> Not as hoppy as the nose let you to believe. The finish left a little to be desired. Lagery grain finish. Beer lacked in complexity.

Mouf> too fizzy, especially for being bottled.

Drinkability> Okay. Would be better with fixing the mouthfeel.

Serving type: bottle

08-13-2009 15:23:40 | More by 1759Girl

Natural510

Ohio

2.78/5  rDev -16.5%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

Pours a light copper color with a loose, porous head which quickly dissipates into a flat nothing. Bubbles rise up to the top of the drink much a soda-pop.
White sugar with a slight orange-citrus scent.
Flavor is mainly a light, sweet malt which is reminiscent of bleached sugar or corn syrup. There is a breadedness with a grassy/vegetal overtone. None of which goes particularly well together...
Flat and watery in the mouth, along with a gassiness which leaves a sick feeling in the stomach.
As far as British pale ales go, this is on the lower rung. Attempts to be something which would taste good on cask, yet fails in the all-important departments of balance and body.

Serving type: bottle

08-13-2009 06:48:31 | More by Natural510

madpentzer

California

3.63/5  rDev +9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Got this from the local Trader Joe's. Poured with a nice foamy head two fingers thick. Had a little citrusy aroma with a sweet malt undertone. Had a light malt taste followed by a little hope bight. Light bodied and relatively easy to drink. Not the best, not the worst, this beer is just alright. Wouldn't necessarily recommend it to some one else, but a thumbs up for being organic.

Serving type: bottle

08-03-2009 00:53:32 | More by madpentzer

u2carew

Massachusetts

3.05/5  rDev -8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A) Pours with a frothy head then settles to a thin head with thin lacing. Transparent. Golden to bronze in color.
S) Dry grains. Light notes of citrus - orange. Pilsner-esque.
T) Very light malt sweetness - caramel. Moves to a dry hoppy-ness.
M) Light bodied. Dry. Somewhat chalky.
D) Meh. Just average. Not one I would suggest to a friend, but thank for the organic ingredients.

Serving type: bottle

07-24-2009 00:13:02 | More by u2carew

Beerenauslese

California

3.38/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

I wanted to try this one because it is an organic English Pale Ale and the TJ's price was right.

Poured an amber gold with a good head.

Floral smell with some tropical notes.

Taste is mildly hoppy, with some pineapple notes.

Carbonation is light as is the brew itself.

It drinks OK, not one that I would want another of.

Serving type: bottle

07-22-2009 05:48:01 | More by Beerenauslese

LeftyBWS

Pennsylvania

3.45/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 16.9 oz. brown bottle into a pint glass.
A: Bright and clearish yellowy-straw colored beer with a cavalcade of fast-rising carbonation bubbles. Pours with an inch of white head, smooth but with some bubbles, and it settles quickly but leaves a nice covering on the beer and some wisps of lacing down the glass.
S: Straw, lemon, fresh water, floral hops and yeast. Pleasant enough, but on the weaker side.
T: Soft wheat and yeast flavors at first, followed by a nice floral hop nip. The finish is a tingly mixture of hops and soft yeast/wheat flavors, faintly buttery and faintly bitter. Overall, pretty good.
M: Watery and with a tingly hoppiness at times. Not totally unpleasant, but a there's a bit of strange graininess to it and the rest is unimpressive.
D: Fine, quaffable for sure, but not quite interesting enough to reach for another.

Serving type: bottle

07-07-2009 03:35:48 | More by LeftyBWS

bluejacket74

Ohio

3.5/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

16.9 ounce bottle, purchased from Trader Joe's, Columbus. Served in a pint glass, the beer pours a golden orange color with about a half inch off-white head. Head retention and lacing are both OK. The aroma is grassy hops, butter, and biscuit/grain. Aroma is light, but not bad. Taste is stronger than the aroma would indicate. It tastes like bready malt, butter, and a bit of honey, grassy hops and biscuit/grain. Mouthfeel is light/medium with moderate carbonation. Drinkability is good, it's smooth and easy to drink, and has enough taste to make this a decent choice as an occasional session beer. Overall I think it's a decent enough English Pale Ale, and for the price it's not bad at all. I'd buy this one again.

Serving type: bottle

07-03-2009 23:52:42 | More by bluejacket74

theopholis

California

3.63/5  rDev +9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance- Pours a slightly golden apricot. The head is creamy and slightly off white head. Good head retention, and it leaves a fair amount of lacing through the pint.

Smell- Nice, soft malts with a subdued, grassy hop aroma. Pretty much exactly what you would expect out of an English pale ale.

Taste- Nice, reasonably complex maltiness with malt sweetness. Hints of breadiness, with very subtle hints of caramel. The hops are reasonably well done and blend nicely with the malt sweetness.

Mouthfeel- Good carbonation, medium body.

Drinkability- quite nice.

Serving type: bottle

06-14-2009 18:32:33 | More by theopholis

CaptainIPA

Wisconsin

3.5/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Picked up from Trader Joe's in Glendale.

A: Pours a dark straw with a generous, two-finger head that fades to decent lacing.

S: Big, hoppy nose with malted barley in the background.

T: Well-balanced offering with a kiss of clover honey. A tad grainy.
True to style, but by no means the best pale ale I've ever tasted.

M: Moderately carbonated.

D: Meh.

Serving type: bottle

05-23-2009 18:04:56 | More by CaptainIPA