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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AEArider

Arizona

3.98/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A ubiquitous AZ beer that always hits the spot. . . Pours a clear amber with creamy head, little lacing. Smells is of sweet caramel, and upon tasting is complimented by a touch of hop character and ends with some alcohol warmth. Overall very smooth, drinkable, and delicious.

Serving type: bottle

10-11-2011 04:40:08 | More by AEArider

notsoprobeer

Oregon

4/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Caramel (deep golden orange) in color, clear, with a white head that dissipated quickly. Very nice color. Aroma of sweet, toasted, and caramel malts. The flavor is very similar to the aroma with the addition of a subtle smoky flavor. Four Peaks' description of this Kilt Lifter is spot on with what I tasted. Medium bodied with an effervescent mouth feel. It finishes with some sweet malt and smokiness. Very drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

09-22-2011 06:06:29 | More by notsoprobeer

jamescain

Texas

3.58/5  rDev -4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a sniffer, thanks to BeerZack for sharing it

Appearance: Clear copper-orange with an off white head about a centimeter thick that fades into a thin lacing.

Aroma: Toffee, caramel and even some roasted notes, but not much in the way of aroma.

Taste: Dark fruit, caramel, a touch of malty sweetness, again not very complex and nothing really stood out.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied and i would have to say over carbonated for the style.

Overall: It was ok, compared to the rest of the line up that day it was way be hind, but on its own, not bad.

Serving type: bottle

09-13-2011 19:56:22 | More by jamescain

archaeofreak

Arizona

4/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Kilt-lifter has floral notes in the odor, and a pleasant although misleadingly bland flavor after smelling. It would be nice if it had a bit more hops in it, and the carbonation is weak although adequate. I like this beer overall, but at 7.50 USD I think I can do better. However, for a local AZ brew it is not bad, as there are not that many good brews created here.

Serving type: bottle

08-31-2011 03:18:02 | More by archaeofreak

drabmuh

Maryland

3.75/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Beer served in a Four Peaks Kiltlifter Pint Glass because I am able to.

Beer is reddish amber, dark mostly clear, thin wispy white head, low carbonation, mild lacing. Looks good.

Aroma is mildly sweet, a little grainy, mild toffee.

Beer is medium in body and has a nice finish to it. Beer is sweet, clean finish, mild graininess through the beer but this was a staple of mine in college. It is fun when a blast from your past. Beer is seriously drinkable and has a great, subtle, candy / toffee flavor that makes me want more. All the beers I grew up on have such horrible reviews on beeradvocate, people no longer know what good beer tastes like.

Serving type: bottle

08-21-2011 21:59:12 | More by drabmuh

twiggamortis420

Texas

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

12 oz bottle pours a clear, light copper color with a small off-white head.

Caramel malts and fruity yeast - mainly cantaloupe and strawberries. Odd brew, I dont get any smoke or peat.

I am missing dark malts on this brew, has a lighter, caramely aspect. This is like an Amber Ale with a British twist. Yeast throws off lots of fruity esters. It is strangely enjoyable though, and easy to quaff. Creamy mouthfeel is nice. Forgettable, but certainly not regrettable.

Serving type: bottle

07-30-2011 16:38:18 | More by twiggamortis420

azdback

Arizona

3.38/5  rDev -9.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured into my Dead Man's Hand custom etched pint glass. A clear burnt orange color. Lots of loud carbonation bubbles lead to a very small, barely off white colored non impressive head. Lace is not going to be around for the last swallow.. for sure!

Smell is Belgian yeast musty. Bread, biscuit, whatever description you choose for those smells works. There are some sweet malt smells but pretty weak.

Taste is a bit better than the smell. Mainly dank yeast and mildly sweet malts. Some apricot or peach fruit tastes that in the end kind of win the battle on my pallet. I end up licking sweet residue off of my lips.

The mouth is bright and refreshing. Carbonation doesn't hide in this one, but that's okay for me.

Overall I am not a huge fan of this taste, but I am pretty sure this one is more spot on the flavor profile for it's style than many of the East Coast IPA's I have had recently. I mean at least Scotland is across the pond and is excused for using European hops and yeasts when recreating the brew. Thanks to SpiderMonkey for this sample.

Serving type: bottle

07-08-2011 06:07:16 | More by azdback

THECPJ

Delaware

3.03/5  rDev -19.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Reviewed from notes:

appearance: copper orange brown with a 1 finger off white head

smell: caramel, malts, sweet

taste: caramel, malts,

mouthfeel: mild carbonation, medium body,

overall: ok scottish ale. Nothing special and nothing really stood out. Glad i got to try it anyways.

Cheers,
The CPJ

Serving type: bottle

06-29-2011 00:17:31 | More by THECPJ

KevinBrewer

California

4/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- Dark brownish-amber with a moderate off-white head that dissipates fairly quickly, leaving minimal lacing.

N- Deep maltiness with a hint of caramel and butterscotch. Also a slight mineral twang.

T- Rich maltiness with deep bready notes, caramel sweetness, and smooth (non-astringent) grain husk. Soft and lightly spicy hops perfectly accent the grain, leading to a crisp and malty finish.

M- Medium-light body with moderate carbonation and a crisp, semidry finish.

D- Overall, a delicious thirst-quenching brew that would easily serve as liquid bread. Very full-flavored and satisfying, but also accessible to craft newcomers.

Serving type: bottle

05-18-2011 05:07:53 | More by KevinBrewer

dbossman

Nebraska

3.7/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Medium brown with a slight amber tint; generous head with great retention; lacing is great too

S: Sweet bready malt presence with a touch of toffee, caramel, and raisins; a bit subdued and simple but pleasant

T: Nice bready malt presence--not near as sweet as the aromas would indicate; a touch of a sour note at the end that works well with the subtle dark fruits and bready malt

F: A creamy beer that sits nicely on the back of the tongue

D: A pleasant--though simple--scotch ale (maybe not quite to style, however); nothing mind blowing here but pleasant and quite drinkable

Serving type: bottle

04-27-2011 03:01:12 | More by dbossman

mikechance

California

2.85/5  rDev -24%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

My overall impression of the beer was average, but it had hints of promise. Although not a traditional scottish style ale in my opinion it did have some interesting aspects. The malts created some interested flavors which I would love to explore again. This beer is average is a bottle, but might be a completely different experience from the tap.

Serving type: bottle

04-20-2011 04:44:39 | More by mikechance

ElGrecoVerde

Michigan

3.55/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Look:
Pours amber color with a decent head.

Smell:
Pretty solid blend or caramel, brown sugar and hints of floral hops.

Taste:
Good, but subdued. Caramel and molasses with grainy bread. Only a light pinch of hoppiness. The flavors are all good, it just doesn't have the bite I'd expect from the style.

Feel:
Medium but a bit lighter than I'd like. Good crisp carbonation.

Feels like they were a bit timid in the process. Probably due to the proximity to a college campus, they wanted to make a beer with more mass appeal. Still worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2011 19:15:13 | More by ElGrecoVerde

Georgiabeer

Georgia

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

A fairly mellow but solid enough Scottish style ale, and pretty true to style. I'm a little surprised this only rates a B. Perhaps a little dryer than most, but still enjoyable. Pours copper with a fairly thin head. Smells nicely malty, and a little nutty with the smell of toasted oats. Nicely balanced in the taste, with slightly chewy malt, restrained earthy and spicy hops, some dry graininess on the finish, and a touch juicy in the middle. I enjoyed this.

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2011 03:21:57 | More by Georgiabeer