McEwan’s Scotch Ale

Wells & Young’s Brewing Co.

Bedford, United Kingdom

Imported by Belukus Marketing, College Station, TX

Wells & Young’s Brewery has resurrected this iconic beer using the original recipe. Nicknamed the “Red Top,” this traditional “wee heavy” was first brewed by William McEwan in Edinburgh in 1856.

ABV: 8

ABW: 6.4

COLOR: 37

BITTERNESS: 23

OG: NA

AVAILABLE: Nationwide

Originally from Scotland, the strong brew is currently brewed in England. I don’t remember it being nearly as tasty when brewed by Scottish and Newcastle. Nut brown  with gorgeous ruby highlights, it has a fine tan head that won’t disappear.  The nose is reminiscent of the delicious aroma encountered when entering a brewery.  On the palate, it is rich, flavorful, and well-balanced; almost fruity with a clean treacle finish. A little too sweet for many dishes, we enjoyed it with bowtie pasta with basil-spinach pesto, topped with grated Parmigiano Reggiano, followed by fresh fruit and sponge cake for dessert.
- Charles Finkel

A very dark and deep presentation topped off with a head that lingers memorable wisps. Rich toasty, toffee aroma sets up rounded expectations. Malt characters insist on dominating. Chewy mouthfeel. Extraordinary well-balanced Scotch ale with warmth of alcohol instilling my mind. Unusually clean aftertaste for such a big beer. Well-brewed. A very excellent example of a classic style.
- Charlie Papazian

Charles Finkel
Founder of Merchant du Vin and the Pike Brewing Co., Finkel is a pioneer in the marketing of craft beers in America.

Charlie Papazian
Author of the New Complete Joy of Homebrewing, founder of the Great American Beer Festival and National Beer Examiner at examiner.com. Papazian is a leading voice in beer and brewing.