Sláinte Scottish Style Ale - Central Waters Brewing Company

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.85/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Bottle from 2011 summer trip. This style is hit and miss for me. This version is a winner. Dark brown with a small consistent off-white head, and some lace. A rich yeast malted aroma. Medium mouthfeel, however it is smooth. The chocolate, the smoke, the malt, all nicely integrated.

Serving type: bottle

11-29-2012 03:05:05 | More by northyorksammy

TMoney2591

Illinois

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

Served in a Lagunitas mason jar.

Fun times at all those faux-Irish bars... Anyway, this stuff pours a dark garnet-brown topped by a finger of sandstone foam. The nose comprises mild molasses, brown sugar, light cola, light dark fruits, and a pinch of chocolate powder. The taste brings in more of the same, with a stronger contingent of fruits, definitely in the figgy vein. The body is a light medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a mildly grainy feel. Overall, a very nice Scottish ale, an entertaining and enjoyable beer all-around.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2013 01:26:52 | More by TMoney2591

MasterSki

Illinois

3.9/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottle purchased at Binny's. Served in a Goose Island Black Friday glass.

A - Finger of tan foam settles to a thin cap, thicker collar, and a few specks of lacework. Body is a dark chocolate color with a hint of transparency visible.

S - Toasted bread, chocolate, caramel, a touch of dark roast coffee, and some peat and smoke as well. Perhaps a hint of earthy hops. Faint alcohol presence when warm.

T - Taste has lots of sweet caramel and milk chocolate flavors mid-palate, but yields to a slightly charred and bitter finish. Sweetness grows a touch as the beer warms up, yielding some jammy fruits and Sultana raisin flavors.

M - Chewy texture, medium body, sticky finish, and a bit of residual smokiness. Carbonation is a tad higher than I was expecting, and tingles a bit.

D - A solidly executed Scottish Ale - I had no problem finishing a 12oz bottle on my own and I'd gladly drink another. Love the affordable Wisconsin price point too. Probably not a big enough beer to benefit from barrel-aging though.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2012 00:02:01 | More by MasterSki

emerge077

Illinois

3.98/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Fresh seasonal from Central Waters, yes please...

Poured into a tulip, it's a dark mahoghany color, transparent in the light, but then appears opaque in the glass with the yeast poured in. A sticky, 3-D halo of foam juts out slightly from the rim of the glass, dripping in a stalagtite formation. Tan foam has a creamy smooth texture to it.

Rich aroma that seems to ebb over time a little, malted milk balls, chalky dark chocolate, toasted grain husks, something slightly raw and minerally.

Velvety smooth feel, wisps of peat smoke, and woody bitterness in the aftertaste, with some light malt sweetness up front. Some fruity yeast lends indistinct grape or currant notes. Finishes fairly dry and woody, not too sweet overall. Really enjoyable stuff, will look for more while it's in season.

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2011 23:53:50 | More by emerge077

rhoadsrage

Illinois

3.9/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

(Served in a dimple mug)
bottled in Dec.
A- This beer has a deep dense walnut brown body that is opaque with a thin film of tan and a strong carbonation trailing up the side.

S- There is a clean slightly tart hint with some brown malt aroma and a touch of dark caramel but overall pretty soft aroma.

T- The pot caramel and dark toasted malt has a slight sweetness to it with a overcooked dark toffee note to follow. There is a bitter green finish with a hop and black roasted barley quality to the bitterness.

M- This beer has a medium mouthfeel with a gentle fizz and no alcohol heat noticed.

O- The nice malt flavor is not real rich but nice and it would be nice to have more of it in the nose. The bitterness is a bit too strong but not offensive by any means.

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2012 16:10:13 | More by rhoadsrage

scruffwhor

Illinois

4.03/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Very dark brown and garnet color mix. Great two finger, dark khaki head and strong residual foam.

Toasty, roasty, and dry overall. Dark chocolate cake batter before the sugar has been added. Lots of malt, can't pick up on any hop aromas at all.

Toasty, roasty, and dry, dark palate. Biscuits, pumpernikel crust, brownie powder, and faint coffee grounds. Theres a yeasty, fruity sweetness underneath everything. Maybe plums or prunes. Dry, but still oily palate overall. Very good, full flavor ale. I'm glad Central waters is available in IL!!! :)

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2012 19:02:09 | More by scruffwhor

BeerFMAndy

Wisconsin

4.48/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12 oz bottle poured into a Central Waters tulip.
7.5% ABV, Bottled On: OCT notched on the label.

A - Even held up to light Sláinte's deep copper mahogany color almost looks black. The tall but quiet pour rouses up a thin but full layer of tan foam which sinks back into the beer slowly, creating a halo of bubbles around the tulip.

S - Central Waters has a fantastic way of generating really chocolaty aromas from malt, usually in their stouts, but also in Sláinte. Milk chocolate and dry cocoa both blend for a smooth opening that's quickly confronted by peat smoked malt notes of gritty earth. Deep caramelization of the malt leaves undertones of caramel cube and toffee in the background of this hop-less aroma.

T - Caramelization of the wort is evident through the lingering sweetness and malty flavor this beer offers; gooey caramel and toffee melted with soft milk chocolate and dusted with a pinch of cocoa. Again, peat smoked malt pokes through, gently overtaking the sweetness with a finish of dry earthiness.

M - Medium-full bodied, this savory and rich beer has a total lack of hops (perception) but it's not without balance. It's light smokiness aids in creating a dry, almost lightly bitter finish that suppresses the sweetness a bit.

O - Central Waters Sláinte is another generously malty beer that exceeds expectations across the board. It's deep and complex malt aroma is the perfect usher into the flavor of similar malt complexity and depth all while remaining balanced and smooth drinking. Alcohol, while higher in content, is almost undetectable in this smooth beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2013 03:23:20 | More by BeerFMAndy

DrDemento456

Pennsylvania

4.06/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Very cool to find this brewed once beer at my bottle shop in the mix and match section.

A - Pours a hefty full inch of deep mocha head with a beer that is also equally as dark. Some sediment chunks at the base of my glass as thick as rice are kind of a turn off.
S - Very deep smoke and peat smells with a balance of caramel malts and citrus hops. Smell great!
T - Well it does a great job with the flavor I get smoke, some peat (minimal which is great) some dry rye comes into play with some citrus hops and a relatively clean finish with caramel malt. Tasty.
M - Medium and chewy, just like I like my malty ales!

Overall damn I can't believe this isn't a regular beer on the lineup, such a smooth malty scotch ale. Worth picking up if you find it.

Serving type: bottle

04-09-2013 01:13:04 | More by DrDemento456

KarlHungus

Minnesota

4.43/5  rDev +14.8%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This beer pours a dark brown color. The head is half an inch in height, and recedes quickly into sparse lacing. The aroma is of caramel, toffee, perfume, and peat. The taste is a nice malty balance of toffee, caramel, and hints of peaty perfume. The mouthfeel is medium-full bodied with lively carbonation, and a velvety texture. Overall, this is one of the better Scottish Ales I've tasted. I can see myself drinking this beer regularly.

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2012 03:49:04 | More by KarlHungus

Chaney

District of Columbia

4.01/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The name translation means "health."

This one was sent to me by BeerFMAndy. Thanks Andy!

Served in an Olde Hickory glass.

A: Looked sort of like Welch's grape juice as it poured, but once the liquid collected in the glass, the purple color browned nicely. Very murky, with some visible carbonation, and only a slight ring around the brew posing as a head.

S: I could smell the warm booze a split second after I popped the cap. Once I dug in, I got a good bit of caramel and figs. Not extremely potent, but a nose was there.

T: Lots of butterscotch on the back end, candy-life overall, and without that sort of "Nut Brown" quality that I often get with Scottish Ales. This was more "Wee Heavy" in character. I would best describe this as "Candy Coke."

M: Slight prickle from the carbonation, sweet but not too for my tastes, a good bit of heat that wasn't distracting, and some mild splotchy lacing.

O: This style is a tough sell for me, but I enjoyed this immensely. Rich, malty, and perfect for a cold evening!

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2013 03:20:09 | More by Chaney

jera1350

Minnesota

3.98/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a semi-viscous deep brown. Minimal foam on top, just a dark khaki ring around the glass in fact. A little lacing though.

The nose isn't very strong, but it does smell really nice what is there. Very sweet with notes of caramelized sugar, toffee and maple syrup. Getting some vanilla bean also. Just too light overall to earn a better score.

Rich malty flavor with some strong molasses coming out. Some burnt sugar and roasted malt come in to play. Doesn't really remind me of a scottish ale, but it is malty and sweet.

Mildly chewy medium bodied brew. Pretty sticky feel to it.

I don't think this fits the style real well, but it is an enjoyable malt heavy beer. A real nice winter beer that isn't overly high in abv. I think this would be a nice candidate for CW barrel aging program. Could be a Backwoods Bastard type beer? I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2012 01:42:44 | More by jera1350

Duff27

Illinois

4.15/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Short beige head on a dark brown body. Cap and collar left. Some lacing left hanging out.

Big maltiness. Peat, cola, some roasty notes.

Follows the nose almost to a tee. Slight smokiness on the backend. Nary a hop tinge here. 7.5% is about what I'd guess.

Medium mouthfeel with low to mid carbonation. Fits very well.

Not technically a sipper but one youll want to savor nonetheless. Fairly complex. Good Scotish ale Central Waters! Looking forward to the barrel aged version.

Serving type: bottle

10-10-2012 01:11:07 | More by Duff27

WastingFreetime

Wisconsin

3.93/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Reviewed from tasting notes.

Pours out a rich dark mahogany color with a stable 1cm lid of tan foam, mediocre levels of lacing on the inside of the glass.
Smells a bit like prunes and pumpernickel bread, some green tobacco leaves as well. Tastes of the same, but with a much higher emphasis on the tobacco and a brief hint of peat garnish on the back end. Body is on the thicker side of medium, carbonation is on the lighter side of medium.

This one was memorable for all the tobacco notes in it.

Serving type: bottle

08-24-2012 23:47:52 | More by WastingFreetime

kawilliams81

Illinois

4.28/5  rDev +10.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Served in a pint glass.

A- Dark amber with a 2 finger tan head. Small amount of lacing sticks to the glass.

S- Sweet toasted malts, slight smoke, bready, a little dark fruit as well.

T- Roasted malts, sweet dark fruits, faint peat yields some smokiness, bready/biscuit taste. Almost no hop bitterness present consistent with the style.

M- Medium body and super creamy and drinkable. I would think this was a 5% beer!

O- Not very familiar with the style and wouldn't be a go to by any means, but this is a awesome beer! Will have to pick up more of this since its a seasonal.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2012 03:39:06 | More by kawilliams81

cdkrenz

Wisconsin

4.38/5  rDev +13.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thank you Mr. Mike Krenz for this great Christmas gift! A growler of Central Waters' latest release.

A - Deep dark brown body with a solid light tan head displaying excellent stamina. It started out at an inch and its still standing long after the pour. Very nice display.

S - A slight roasted aroma with a sharpened smokiness. Nothing overwhelming in the scent but rather just enough to make me want to take a drink.

T - Roasted caramel malts with a very nice presence of smoke. This is a very well done beer that I look forward to finishing.

M - Medium bodied with minimal carbonation to note makes for a smooth almost silky feel that might be better described as creamy.

~ This is another fine addition to an already proven line-up of brews offered by the crew at CW. This is one I hope they keep putting up on the shelves here in Central Wisconsin.

Serving type: growler

12-25-2011 02:01:22 | More by cdkrenz

4DAloveofSTOUT

Illinois

3.85/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

poured by the bartender at the central water 14th anniversary party.

reviewed from notes taken on 1/28/2012.

Appearance: Murky brown to a light black colored beer. A tanish to light mocha colored head that pours just shy of 2 fingers head.

Smell: Malty, bready, fruity and smoky.

Taste: Dark fruits are really present upfront and in your face with the scottish ale. It then settles down into the more traditonal flavors of a scottish ale; the smoke and rich sweet malt notes are midpalate. Almost like it transitioned from dark fruits then into a traditional scottish ale. Little spicy kick is noted in the end of the beer which is probably impartent by the yeast.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied beer with moderate carbonation. Drinks really easily.

Overall: Nice smooth scottish ale with almost a belgian dark ale twist on the front end of the beer. Enjoyable and a great offering!

Serving type: on-tap

01-30-2012 05:13:08 | More by 4DAloveofSTOUT

zeledonia

Minnesota

3.5/5  rDev -9.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Enjoyed 20 May 2012, reviewed from notes. Bottled December 2011, if I can read the label notching right.

Pours very dark reddish brown. With light behind it, it's still a dark coppery coffee brown. One finger of medium tan head, decent retention, relaxes to a cap with little lacing. Pretty dark for a Scottish ale.

Smells fairly malty and slightly fruity, but with a leafy tobacco bite. In general, it's mild, with not a whole lot to it.

Taste is quite malty and sweet, fruity with a bit of a twang. In the smell, that twang struck me as tobacco. Here, it's more earthy and tarry, like molasses with the sweetness turned down.

Mouthfeel is pretty heavy and thick, with medium-low carbonation.

A decent beer, but nothing about it impresses me. I can drink it, and enjoy it, but it's not whispering (or shouting) to me that I need to drink more of it. So I probably won't.

Serving type: bottle

05-24-2012 03:49:12 | More by zeledonia

jegross2

Illinois

2.9/5  rDev -24.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Reviewing the Slainte Scottish Style Ale from Central Waters Brewing Company.
Score: 70

December 2011 vintage bottle served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed in the wee hours of 01/28/12.

Appearance: Deep, dark mahogency color with brown highlights at the top and ruby highlights in the lower half of the beer. Pours three-quarters of a finger of creamy khaki colored head. Settles almost entirely. Average lacing with solid cling. 3.5/5

Smell: Creamy malts and tiramissu. Hint of caramel, hint of vanilla, and some bready malt. Touch of rye? 3.5/5

Taste: Bready malts, nondescript malts and a little spice. Hints of vanilla. Stainless steel sweetness towards the finish. 2.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-light bodied, light carbonation. Creamy mouthfeel. 3/5

Overall: A below average Scottish Ale. Very disappointed given the mild hype behind this beer.

Recommendation: Skip this one. There are plenty of better beers in this style wherever you'll be able to find this one (e.g., Robert The Bruce)

Pairings: Caramel popcorn or a pastrami sandwich.

Cost: $8.99 for a six pack

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2012 08:27:13 | More by jegross2

RoamingGnome

Wisconsin

3.58/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured out of a 12 oz bottle into a snifter.

A) This is a deep brown, just a shade darker than a cola. There was about a half finger of tan head, that had a creamy look to it. The head dissipates quickly, leaving a thin collar. There was just a little lacing.

S) Not a powerful aroma, but some nice malt sweetness. There was something here that reminded me a bit of making smores.

T) This was not as sweet as the nose indicated, and really not as sweet as any Scottish Ale I've consumed in recent memory. There was certainly a deep roasted malt, but the flavor was only a little caramel. There was some smoke and kind woody/earthy flavor. The backend was a bit burnt and boozy.

M) It was lighter in body than the appearance would lead you to believe. It was a medium body with about the same in regards to carbonation. It was fairly smooth.

O) Admittedly, Scottish Ales are not one of my favorite styles, but I tend to enjoy most Central Waters offerings. Having said all of that, I still found this to be just okay. I would not likely seek this one out again.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2012 04:00:13 | More by RoamingGnome

kevanb

Illinois

3.8/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Served on tap at Galway Arms in Chicago, poured into a shaker pint.

Pours a deep brown color, nearly black color with a tan colored head, about a finger high, very creamy, looks like it was poured from a nitro tap, but I was assured it wasn't, retention is good, light lacing. The aroma is heavy on coffee, dark fruit, brown sugar and rich smooth grain. Flavors are similar, pungent coffee and light bitter chocolate, dark fruit, caramel malt, brown sugar, molasses and a bit of raisin, had to make sure I was drinking a Scottish Ale at first, it really drinks like a stout, almost no hop character to speak of. The body is nice and rich, coats the mouth well, very smooth but the finish is a bit lack luster and watery.

Verdict: A decent enough beer, not sure it's a decent enough Scottish Ale. Either way, I enjoyed my pint, but I doubt I'd ask for another.

Serving type: on-tap

02-26-2013 06:51:59 | More by kevanb

brewmudgeon

Wisconsin

4.43/5  rDev +14.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

central waters scottish style ale

a 4.5-5 rather deep brown with orangy hues near the edges, not sure if it's hazy or not as my lighting is too dim at the moment; tightly bubbled tan head lasts for a long time in reduced form. lace in sheets. no reason to deduct points here.

s 4 at first i was not so sure about the nose; musty and a bit smokey, it revealed its secrets slowly and became bolder as the beer warmed. seems to be some peat in there: aww, yeah.

t 4.5-5 the character and balance of this beer are surprisingly great. the peat is there, as is an unusual sort of sweetness (english malt?) and herbal hoppyness. these elements play entertainingly and slowly subside in a long, satisfying finish. central waters is a hit or miss brewery in my eyes. although their BBS is considered a hit by most, and though i too liked it at first, i have now given it a multitude of chances after it went south for me, and it has let me down every time. and some of the everyday offerings are just lousy, like glacial trail ipa. but some of their stuff is quite good, and i absolutely love y2k and bbb--now this scottish ale is taking its place right up near the top.

m 4.5 it would be pretty hard to improve on the mouthfeel. fine, creamy carbonation, medium body ... perhaps it could be a touch chewier, but that's nit selecting.

o 4.5+ not always in the mood for a scottish ale, granted, but what a fine example this is. i might turn up the hops and peat the slightest fraction of a degree, and add some chew, but then perfection would be the result.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2012 03:04:29 | More by brewmudgeon

WankelEngine

Illinois

3.68/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a pint glass

A: Pours a dark brown/copper color. There is a nice tan head with excellent retention that leaves very nice layers of lace.

S: Fairly mild malty notes, a little tartness.

T: Sweet brown malt is the centerpiece. Caramel, molasses, toffee comprise the sweet flavors while some toasted dark malt contributes a little smokiness and some peaty flavors. There are some fruit flavors, raisin and apple. Finish has just a tiny touch of pine hops and alcohol, but those are mitigated by the malt.

M: Medium-thick and very sticky.

O: Not the most potent or flavorful beer, but nicely drinkable for a malty beer.

Serving type: bottle

05-27-2012 05:22:10 | More by WankelEngine

pschul4

Illinois

3.98/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured into 4oz snifter to make me happy. Thats all I want out of beer

A- Pours a dark caramel with a 2 finger tan head that recedes rather quickly to a light lacing

S- Lots of malty sweetness and some peated aromas as well. Some sharp scent that I can't put my finger on

T- Big caramel sweetness and some roast in the background. Liking this way more than the smell forsure. The roastiness balances this amazingly

M- A bit thin but with enough umph to keep me interseted

O- This flavor in a thicker, better smelling beer would be amazing. As it stands still solid

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2012 03:06:39 | More by pschul4

adman08

Wisconsin

4.13/5  rDev +7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A-Pours a deep dark ruby red with thick off-white head that leaves very good lacing on the glass.
S-Smoke is the first thing I notice. There is a bit of malty sweetness, a bit of a yeasty/bready smell, a slight brown sugar aroma. Almost zero hop aroma.
T-Very nice blend of smokey and sweet malt flavors. There is a small flavor of herbal hops. The sweetness amd smoke are by far most obvious.
M-Fairly sticky, full bodied but not something that will weigh you down. Moderate carbonation.
Overall, I was surprised by how much scotch ale type flavor this beer has. With the low alcohol I expected a much lighter beer but this has tons of flavor. It could use a bit more hop flavor but it's such a small issue. This is a sessionable beer with a huge amount of flavor, I'm a huge fan. I'm hoping Central Waters decides to turn this up a couple notches and make a full on scotch ale, maybe even something bourbon barrel aged.

Serving type: bottle

12-18-2011 21:40:50 | More by adman08

wschmit

Illinois

4.43/5  rDev +14.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

12 oz. into a Duvel tulip.

A: A nice brown pour yields a thick, opaque body sporting a just-tan head with pretty good retention. Pretty.

S: Spot-on nose. A bit musty, malty, and earthy English hops. A touch of citrus, maybe some Maris Otter.

T: Again, spot-on. Good, slightly sweet malt with a clean profile. Mild citrusy-earthy hops reek of EKG. Straightforward, but thoughtful. Almost like Earl Grey, but with alcohol.

M: Full-bodied with thin carbonation. Perhaps it's a bit too filling, but I like it. Not boozy in the least.

O: For a much-debated style, it's pretty good. A maltier, boozier bitter, it scratches the itch, and is a very, very drinkable beer for a very, very agreeable price.

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2012 02:46:20 | More by wschmit