I guess it’s a given then when it comes to Scottish Ales and Scotch ales, sooner or later the topic of kilts will come up. Usually, it seems, predicated on some variation of hiking them up. Years ago, I enjoyed Kiltie’s Pride Scotch Ale at the now-defunct Skyview Brewpub in Nashua, New Hampshire. Syracuse, New York’s Middle Ages brewery has a Kilt Tilter Scotch Ale, and I’ve tried two Kilt Lifters, one from Seattle’s Pike Place brewery and the one under consideration here, Moylan’s Kilt Lifter Scotch Ale.

A quick review of the difference between Scotch and Scottish ales would seem to be in order. Scottish ales (classically, I think of Belhaven) are about 5% to 6% alcohol by volume, with a light malty sweetness, perhaps some chewy toffee and nuttiness. Scotch Ales or Wee Heavies (think McAndrew’s) are bigger in body, higher in alcohol,  darker in color and feature notes of raisin and chocolate. They are often served in a thistle-shaped glass.

Moylan’s Kilt Lifter is interesting because I find it to lie somewhere in between the two styles. It certainly has the alcohol of a Scotch Ale (8% by volume) but seems to be lighter in body than the alcohol would suggest. Here’s what Moylan’s says about it:

Robust and Strapping , Our Scotch Ale takes BIG Beers to a whole new level. Rich malt balances perfectly with delicate hops to provide a concentrated and intense flavor; an ideal companion for hearty foods, or as a meal unto itsself. Allow this ale to warm slightly in your glass to enhance its truly bold character. Sharing is encouraged, as this is one beer that lives up to its name! Hey! No peeking! Slainté!

And here’s what I say:

Moylan’s Kilt Lifter Scotch Ale pours to a dark, foreboding ruby red color with a thick creamy head formation and a sweet, caramel apple, maltiness. The beer is very interesting, with notes of black cherry, a hint of raisin, and butterscotch.  Indeed, the sweetness predominates here, accented nicely by a firm nuttiness, and the body is moderate, not as thick as some wee heavies, but thicker than in most Scottish ales. This one is somewhere in between.

The finish is on the sweet side, and I don’t get a lot of hops, but the alcohol warmth dries the beer out a bit. This is a great deal at $5.49 for a 22 ounce bottle. It’s also a wonderful nightcap beer or, for that matter, perfect for anytime a bout of dipsomania seizes me.  Perhaps best enjoyed in one of Atlanta’s Titled Kilt sports bars?

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

 

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