Arcadia Ales
Battle Creek, Michigan
A tribute to the Scottish Highlands, this beer is a garnet color joined by the aroma of ripe plums and freshly-baked biscuits. The full-bodied texture reveals notes of roasted chestnuts and caramel in a smooth single-malt style of brew, balanced with just the right amount of hop character.
ABV: 8.5
ABW: 6.8
COLOR: 80
BITTERNESS: 63
ORIGINAL GRAVITY: 1080
AVAILABLE: MI, IL, OH, MO, KS, PA, KY
Pouring as deep and dark as the waters where the Loch Ness monster might dwell, this Scotch Ale’s light tan colored head is just as elusive as the fabled Nessie, too—presenting itself momentarily before fading away. But never mind, there’s enough carbonation in this beer to contribute to its smoothness and help support the predominant flavors—rich caramel, cocoa powder, suggestions of raisin and light, peaty smoke that end in a slight alcohol warming. A wee bit thinner than others in the style, but just as delightful.
It’s not easy to find beers like this in Scotland these days. Try Belgium and you’ll be more lucky. Arcadia’s Scotch ale is a handsome rich-Burgundy creation, offering a temptingly creamy, biscuity aroma with red berry fruits. The malt manifests itself in the mostly sweet taste through dark caramel and a touch of chocolate, with a little hop-led tropical fruit in contrast. Roles are reversed in the finish, as tangy hops soon push aside the bitter chocolate. The 8 percent ABV shines through in a cheering warmth that leaves a satisfying glow after the final sip.
Lisa Morrison, aka The Beer Goddess, writes about beer whenever and wherever she can and also gets to talk about it on a weekly radio show in her hometown of Portland, OR.
Author of the Good Bottled Beer Guide and The Book of Beer Knowledge, Jeff Evans is an eight-time editor of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. More of his writing can be found at www.insidebeer.com.
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