Kilt Lifter Scottish Style Ale - Four Peaks Brewing Company

BucannonXC5

California

3.85/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Type: 12-oz. bottle
Glass: Hotel glass (~1/3 pint)
From: A Chevron in Tempe, Ariz.
Price: $8.99 for mixed 6-pack
Purchased: May 15, 2013
Consumed: May 15, 2013
Misc.: N/A

Poured a caramel, copper, amber color, just a tad darker than the 8th Street Pale Ale, with 1-2 fingers of khaki tan head. Lots of spider web foamy lacing on the side. Average retention on the top.

Smelled lots of malts - caramel, toffee, iced tea and roasty. Some rye hops as well. Sugary and sweet.

Tasted close to the smell with arguably a bit more flavor. Caramel, toffee, apple, nutty and sweet sugary malts. Candied sugary apple. I don’t know why but it really tastes better than I thought.

Light-to-medium body. Thin texture. Soft carbonation. Long, watery finish.

Very nice beer. I would certainly get some more.

Serving type: bottle

05-21-2013 06:38:28 | More by BucannonXC5

superspak

Michigan

3.68/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 ounce bottle into pint glass, no bottle dating. Pours fairly hazy and cloudy orange copper color with a 1 finger fairly dense off white head with good retention, that reduces to a thin cap that lingers. Spotty soapy lacing clings on the glass. Aromas of caramel, pear, raisin, toast, bread, floral, light peat, and floral earthiness; some light phenols as well, but not too bad. Some nice aromas with good balance, strength, and complexity; the phenolic note knocks it down a bit. Taste of caramel, toast, raisin, pear, bread, floral, light pepper, light peat, and floral earthiness; slight phenols noticed after the finish. Lingering notes of caramel, light fruits, toast, bread, floral, light pepper, light peat, and earthiness on the finish for a short bit. Nice balance of flavors with solid complexity; good robustness and no cloying flavors after the finish. The phenolic note was noticeable, but not too detracting. Medium carbonation and body; with a lightly creamy and fairly crisp mouthfeel that is good. Alcohol is very well hidden with only a slight warming noticed after the finish. Overall this is a nice Scottish ale. Good balance of malt/fruity flavors; and very smooth to drink. A nicely enjoyable offering.

Serving type: bottle

05-17-2013 04:11:34 | More by superspak

jhutch31

California

4.23/5  rDev +12.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

I had this beer on tap in downtown Phoenix while on a trip for a concert. Must have drank about ten of them by the time the weekend was over. The taste is hard to describe, however I absolutely love it. Very packed with caramel and toffee notes with a smooth hop profile. I love this beer.

Serving type: on-tap

01-23-2013 03:21:46 | More by jhutch31

deciding39

Massachusetts

3.8/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a pint glass from a 12 oz. can purchased at Total Wine in Tempe, AZ (which fortunately survived a rough flight back to Boston).

A: Pours a slightly hazy copper with a head that quickly dissipates, leaving a slight rim around the glass. The one I had at the brewery was quite clear...it must be can-conditioned and I probably did not properly decant. Looks a little lifeless.

S: Aroma of dark fruit (currant, raisins) and toffee. Enticing, but a bit mild.

T: A caramel and toffee sweetness gives way to a gentle earthy hop bitterness and some woody notes. More fruit flavors throughout (the aforementioned and a little plum as well). No real smoke or peat notes to speak of, but a nice hint of whiskey hides just beneath the surface.

D&M: A slick, medium-bodied brew. Body is true-to-style, but a bit lighter than anticipated. Perhaps so the desert crowd can continue to quaff this in the summer months? Carbonation is light, making for a very smooth drink. I could drink several of these, provided I had some cheese on toast and a scotch egg or two!

Glad to see a solid attempt at a style that seems to not get a lot of attention, and even happier to see it in a place I expected to be awash in bad beer. Arizona, you did not disappoint!

Serving type: can

01-19-2013 04:17:50 | More by deciding39

mfavoino

Washington

3.45/5  rDev -8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12 oz bottle poured into a pint glass on 9/29/12.

Appearance: Syrup brown/amber with almost no head. Just a rim around the edges of glass.

Smell: Caramel malts and some dark fruit sweetness. Pretty blah.

Taste: Lots of malty caramel, touch of bread, and sweetness. Bit of herbal flavor and some dark fruit sweetness resembling the nose.

Mouthfeel: Super smooth, but maybe a tad thin. Just a bit of carbonation.

Overall: Not bad for the style, just doesn't have any distinguishing qualities.

Serving type: bottle

10-01-2012 02:56:06 | More by mfavoino

woodychandler

Pennsylvania

3.48/5  rDev -7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

This was shipped to me by sKafifer in the hopes of furthering the ongoing madness known as The CANQuest (TM). Believe me, I am awash in CANs at the moment and am trying to get caught up.

From the CAN: "Pack It In - Pack It Out".

I was at Baltimore County's Tilted Kilt back in June and I'd like to mention the beauteous Hardee whose kilt I showed amazing restraint in not lifting. Yeah, I know ... sexist pig, blah, blah, blah, but I notice that none of them seem to mind my generous tips when I show at Flying Saucer, Tilted Kilt, et al. That, and with age comes wisdom. It is poor form to lay hands on the waitstaff.

My Crack & Glug produced a finger of light-tan head that disappeared like Xi Jinping (this is a current events allusion and may be Googled at your leisure). Color was a tea-like brownish-amber with NE-quality clarity. Nose was quite sweet, like liquid caramel. Mouthfeel was thin-to-medium and the maltiness was just too much for this self-avowed hophead. If it is going to be this sweet, it should have some more body to it, IMHO. It lacked any subtle smoky quality, which is what I really look for from the style. This would be a malt lover's dream but for me, it was over the top. Finish remained very sweet and I was happy to have tried it, but it was a once-and-done for yours truly.

Serving type: can

09-14-2012 00:03:06 | More by woodychandler

tone77

Pennsylvania

3.63/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Another beer courtesy of the creator of the can quest, woodychandler. Poured from a 12 oz. can. Has a deep brown color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell is sweet, malty. Taste is malts, molasses, a good bit sweet, very easy drinking. Feels medium bodied in the mouth and overall is an enjoyable beer.

Serving type: can

09-11-2012 21:50:25 | More by tone77

searsclone

Arizona

5/5  rDev +33.3%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

review is for a can into a pint glass. however, I have had this beer in bottle, tap, growler, can and bourbon barrel aged.

Pours a maple syrup brown color, with medium bubbles and a decent off white head.

smell is toasted bread, pretzels, malt and scotch

taste is hard for me to describe, but I really like it. Sweet, malty, brown sugar, butter (especially in the bourbon barrel aged version), maybe some graham crackers.

mouthfeel is perfectly carbonated with the right amount of chew and great aftertaste with a great finish.

Overall, my go to beer. I know that I rated it as perfect, even though it's not, but I can't think of any major flaws. My biggest problem with it, if you can describe it as such, is that I can't figure out what it tastes like. It doesn't taste like most other scottish ales, it has much less smoke to me, but I can't really define it. And, a suggestion for those of you that can easily find this, try it with a splash of bourbon in your glass before your pour. It closely resembles the bourbon barrel aged version, and brings out flavors of both liquids very well. Also, it pairs great with lemon bars.

If you have never had this, go out of your way to try it!

Serving type: can

09-08-2012 03:08:03 | More by searsclone

RblWthACoz

Pennsylvania

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

This is a pretty unusual style to see available. And I'd have to say that this one is pretty good. Nice caramel roasted tones with sweet aspects that don't overdo it at all. Well rounded and smooth, as much as can be for this style. Nice to be able to try this one out.

Serving type: on-tap

09-06-2012 22:16:08 | More by RblWthACoz

BigCheese

Massachusetts

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

Had this while traveling in Phoneix.

A: Dark brown, tan colored head, left some thin lacing.

S: A malty sweet biscuity aroma. Pleasant.

T: Reminded me of a sweetned nut brown ale. Great biscuity sweetness, very easy to drink, molasses, toffee, and caramel note come to mind. No real hop character but thats ok.

M: Medium carbonation, drinkable, a tad syrupy.

O: Great dark ale, very flavorful, enjoyable and paired well with my food.

Serving type: on-tap

08-19-2012 01:41:21 | More by BigCheese

jeffjeff1

California

3.5/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

My parents picked some of this up for me when they were in Arizona.

Appearance- reddish brown color, thin head, little bit of lacing

Smell- sweet malt

Taste- mostly sweet malt, malt flavor not too strong

Mouthfeel- medium to full bodied

Drinkability- pretty good scotch ale, I would have it again.

Serving type: bottle

07-26-2012 20:11:19 | More by jeffjeff1

Dave1999

Virginia

3.55/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured a clear reddish brown with a small white head.

The smell was pretty mild but I could smell sweet malts, caramel and a bit if alcohol.

The taste was pretty much the same as the smell and just a little bit too subtle.

The mouth feel was smooth with low carbonation.

Overall not too bad but I don't feel the need to buy it again.

Serving type: bottle

07-22-2012 20:21:35 | More by Dave1999

DCon

Missouri

3.78/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Enjoyed on-tap @ Tacos+Tequila in the Phoenix Airport in Phoenix, AZ for $6.50. Tapped from the White/Red Tap Handle w/ Four Peaks down the side & Kilt Lifter labeled in the square box into a 16oz Pint Glass.

Aroma- Tons of sweetness and kettle/caramel aromas hit the nose well. A very light “peaty” aroma is present also... Lightly roasted and interesting all around!

Appearance- Received with a .5 finger head that dies quickly. Has a clear, dark copper body and leaves good lacing on the glass.

Flavor- Malty and quite sweet once again. Finishes with a grainy and dry finish that isn’t necessarily my favorite... Light bitterness too at the end.

Mouthfeel- Medium-Full Bodied, Medium Carbonation, Creamy but yet dry at the same time. Great combo! Interesting mouthfeel.

Overall Impression- A very nice, clean Scottish ale that suited the style well! Lucky to have tried something from this brewery while I was in the airport during a layover. Highly suggest this beer!

Serving type: on-tap

07-21-2012 20:54:37 | More by DCon

RuckusDu

Colorado

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

This thing seems to be all over the place here in Phoenix and I can see why. This is maybe my 8th one this week. 12oz bottle to high ball glass in my hotel room.

A - there was about a 1/3 finger of light beige head with bubbles of all sizes. Body is clear and that beautiful amber color. No lacing.

S - smooth malts and some nice scotch scents. Fairly simple. Done sweet caramel. Only the slightest smooth hops on the finish.

T - a little alcohol but very similar to the nose. Malt and caramel and some scotchiness.

M - great carbonation to go with a full body. Well done on this front.

O - simple yet good. Considering everything else I have seen readily available to me as I have not been seeking out craft bee, this is the best option. Easy to drink.

Serving type: bottle

06-08-2012 05:42:38 | More by RuckusDu

t420o

California

3.5/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Kilt lifter on tap at Wyndham hotel phoenix

A- small 1-2 finger head that recedes quick leaving very little lacing.  Beer is
amber copper 3.5

S- faint sweet biscuty malt, molasses, very light smell 3.5

T- Sweet malty, mollases, cereal, a good scotch ale but none of the flavors are strong enough for me. Slightly bland.  3.5

M- good mouthfeel. Good carbonation level and viscosity.  3.5

O- good but nothing special. Good drinkability 3.5

B

Serving type: on-tap

05-29-2012 06:43:00 | More by t420o

TempeBeerMan

Arizona

3.53/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a bottle into a dimpled mug.

A – Pours a clear reddish-brown with a two-finger eggshell colored head. Small amount of patchy lacing.

S – Malt, caramel, campfire smoke. Medium strength aroma.

T – Malt bomb alert. Esters of caramel, toasted pumpernickel bread, and mesquite smoke. Hops subdued and stay way in the back, bringing bittering balance to the malt but not much else. Slight note of white pepper in the finish.

M – Big and chewy, with prickly carbonation. The combo works.

O – As a “Scottish Style Ale” it’s kind of a fail, as there isn’t really much peaty taste I normally associate with the style. But as simply a beer, it’s pretty darn good, with no major flaws. Bonus point for being by far the best craft option on tap at many a bar and restaurant in Arizona.

Serving type: bottle

05-20-2012 21:12:30 | More by TempeBeerMan

Spiderbeerman

New York

4.38/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

While on a work trip to Tempe, AZ recently we tried Kilt Lifter by Four Peaks and loved it. Kilt Lifter goes well with traditional pub grub. It looks nice and smell nice as well. It has a very good drinkability. I would order Kilt Lifter again in the future.

Serving type: on-tap

05-20-2012 03:31:36 | More by Spiderbeerman

facundoCNB

New Jersey

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

clean amber pour with slight amount of head. smells of banana, bread, caramel, bacon. tastes biscuity, banana, caramel, honey, bbq smoked flavor. medium/light bodied.. nice and fizzy with a tiny amount of creamy feel.

for a scottish ale, this is outstanding - not exactly my favorite type of beer since they do tend to be pretty bland, but this is one of the best of its style.

Serving type: can

05-11-2012 23:25:43 | More by facundoCNB

ryan1788a5

Massachusetts

3.88/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12oz bottle poured into a snifter. Obtained as an extra in a trade, thanks go out to Lunch.

A: Pours a clear shade of red with a huge rocky white head. Retention is unreal, the head doesn't budge an inch. Thick, foamy rings of lacing seem cemented onto the glass

S: Malty and slightly juicy on the nose, as it should be. Caramel, toffee, treacle, crusty brown bread. Faint cocoa impression and slight spice. Juicy scents of apple and berry. Grassy and floral hops are just barely noticeable.

T: Sweet on the palate with tastes of treacle and cane sugar, caramel, candy apple, and fig newtons. Grassy and herbal hop tastes provide balance. Dries and leaves a quick finish of caramel, candy apple, and faint fruits.

M: Medium/thick in body and a little syrupy. Highly effervescent with a bottle-conditioned mouthfeel to it. The carbonation lifts and scrubs. There's a little warmth here too despite the relatively tame 6% abv.

O: This is a very solid Scottish ale, and you really don't see too many of these on the market. Seek it out.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2012 05:33:19 | More by ryan1788a5

snaotheus

Washington

4.08/5  rDev +8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12oz bottle poured into a little hotel water glass.

Looks brown amber, with little or no head. Fair amount of active carbonation, but almost no retention. Smell is mild, muted, smokey-ish.

Taste is quite nice. Fresh, but still rich malts and peaty flavor. Surprisingly refreshing.

Mouthfeel is thickish and slightly sticky. Overall, I'm glad I picked it up.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2012 23:54:23 | More by snaotheus

iSip

Colorado

3/5  rDev -20%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Four Peaks Kiltlifter Scottish Ale: I got to try a bottle of this brew at a conference in Phoenix. Deep amber color, thin head and little aroma. The flavor brings malt notes to the fore, and not much else. Feels a little thin for a Scottish Ale. This is a decent offering to partake if you are in the area. May as well support the local brew. It does not set the Scottish Ale world on fire, however.

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2012 13:34:16 | More by iSip

grittybrews

Washington

3.73/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured a muddy brownish-orange with a finger of eggshell head. Weak aroma of toffee and hints of grassy lemon.

Moderate carbonation and a full, sticky mouthfeel. Toffee, dark fruit, and a bit of cocoa up front followed by honey, biscuit, and light spice on the finish.

This one is all malt but isn't too sweet -- the flavors come together nicely.

Serving type: can

03-17-2012 02:58:21 | More by grittybrews

DaftCaskBC

British Columbia (Canada)

2.68/5  rDev -28.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 2

A: 1/8" white head that dissipated quickly over deep amber liquid.

S: Grassy hops and yeast. Not too much going on here.

T: Slightly citrusy with some grassy flavours and barley malt. Not much to it.

M: Thin, watery and minimal carbonation.

O: This certainly doesn't lift my kilt.

Serving type: bottle

03-09-2012 23:37:35 | More by DaftCaskBC

tempest

Pennsylvania

3.68/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had a bottle from AJ's in Tucson. This is just a nice, clean Scottish ale with mild caramel and a touch of roast. The aroma, like the flavor, is all malt, but with more of a bready bent to it. The softer caramel taste rolls over your tongue with a lighter carbonation and a very slight herbal, earthy edge. I wouldn't call it peaty, but it's close. Worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2012 00:22:41 | More by tempest

AndyAvalanche

Massachusetts

3.78/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 oz. can poured into a Sam Adams Perfect Pint Glass. Golden Amber in color with insane clarity. Fairly hard pour produces a slightly off white colored head that's got a lot of different sized bubbles, looks creamy. Not much in the way of lacing, but still a pretty god looking beer.

Smell is petty good, not that strong though. Got some sweet malt action going on and a little earthy. Some slight fruitiness, darker fruits.

Taste is a step up. Reasonably malty, sort of bready (brown bread), a little nutty and some darker fruitiness that also is a little tart/tangy. Pretty good overall. Not really that typical to the style in my opinion, but pretty unique.

Mouthfeel is pretty good. I find it pretty clean and crisp, probably the cleanest Scottish Style Ale I've ever had. Pretty drinkable . Overall it's pretty tasty. I like Scottish Ales and was happy to get a can of this. Thanks huadog for the sweet extra!

Serving type: can

12-29-2011 02:54:08 | More by AndyAvalanche