Highland Brewing Co.
Asheville, NC
Originally named Celtic Ale, this was the first style brewed at Highland Brewing.
ABV: 5.5
ABW: 4.4
Color: 61.7
Bitterness: 32
Original gravity:1052
Beer Talk
Gaelic Ale
Published November 2008, Volume 29, Number 5
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Lisa Morrison
Dark red amber in the glass, there’s a slight roasted astringency at the first few sips, married with a hint of peat, then followed by a sweet, malt finish. As the beer warms up, the astringency dissipates, and the light ecru head remains, creating lacey fingers on the side of the glass. Kudos to Highland for putting the calories per 12-ounce serving, as well as other nutritional information, for each of their standard beers on their Web site.
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Jeff Evans
This is a fine amber ale. But why Gaelic? That’s not too obvious, unless perhaps you pick up on the slightly oaty creaminess that softens the nutty malt at the heart of this brew. The balance is good, however, with mildly citrus hops taking the taste over to the bitter side and lingering in the dry, nutty finish that leaves a gentle warmth in the throat. I tried two bottles. The first time I thought the beer seemed a bit too strong for its own good. Second time around, I was more convinced that the brewers had got it just about right.
