Scottish ales are typically full-bodied and malty, with some of the classic examples being dark brown in color. They are more lowly hopped than the English counterparts and often have a slightly viscous and sweet caramel malt character due to incomplete fermentation. Scottish-style ales can be found in far-flung corners of the world where faithful versions are brewed, this being a legacy of the style’s popularity in the British Empire. In the United States, many craft brewers produce a Scottish-style ale. The export versions produced by Scottish brewers, the type mostly encountered in the United States, are considerably stronger and more malty than the standard versions made available to Scottish beer drinkers.
Learn about more British and North American Ales