Beer Recommendations for Scotland
 

Last year, this forum guided me straight to the Irish beer that would suit me best--Smithwicks. You even told me how to pronounce it correctly! I reported to the bar after my first bike ride completely prepared. Thank you.

This year we tackle the hills of Scotland, and I'm hoping you'll tell me again what to order as I'm removing the helmet and sliding onto the bar stool. Of course, preferences vary, even between my husband and me. I drink one UK beer often--Bass. Husband drinks anything from a good black and tan (more black than tan) to US overly hoppy beers like Victory Hop Devil. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale would be our idea of acceptable "light" beer.

I'm not a beer drinker myself, but suggest you try anything from the Isle of Skye brewery; Dark Island, from Orkney, (I think), the Broughton brewery production or any of the Belhaven dark beers.

Belhaven would be the choice for a variety of good Scottish beers. More widely available than before, but not everywhere.

In Scotland the term "bitter" is not used; the generic term for basic brew is "heavy" - as in "Gie's a pint o' heavy, Jimmy." (Or a pint of "light" if you're a wuss.) If your husband likes his beer weird, have him order a "wee heavy" once.

Look here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/A288317

What's the Wee heavy? Is it with the rasberry?

"Wee Heavy" is a colloquial name for a beer also known a s Scotch Ale. I doubt any has ever been introduced to a raspberry:)

Have a look at this too:-
http://www.scottishbeer.co.uk/

If There is a Beverages & More or other major liquor store nearby, you can try some Scottish brews before you leave home. They won't be exactly the same as the draft version you'll get in Scotland but close enough to tell if you like them. I like several - mostly dark - including a couple of Belhaven brews but learned about some of them back home.

If you are going to be anywhere near the Borders be sure to stop at Traquair house. Besides being a fascinating place to tour (or even stay overnight) they have a very small brewery producing award winning ales. The House Ale is great and the Jacobite Ale is amazing.

I looked up Jacobite Ale (thank you) and that led me to this site: http://www.ratebeer.com/Ratings/TopB...?CountryID=241

Wow!

Anyway, I'm wondering if you all agree that these are the best beers in Scotland.

Thanks for the link Sheila! Wow is right -- Traquair has 3 of the top 4 places. I haven't tasted (or heard of actually, the T. 1000th brew). I got a couple of bottles of both the Jacobite and the House Ale here locally in California a few months ago and try to get to Traquair every time I'm in the Borders - but unfortunately probably won't make it this year.

One other beer I really like - McEwans Scotch Ale - only rates 11th place. I think it is REALLY good so some of those others must be terrific.

I believe the beers listed on the website are all bottled and exported. Haven't had all that many from the list, but on first exam it looks like it's weighted heavily to the sweeter and "richer" end of the spectrum than most beers you'd get in a pub. Which is not to say all bad, just different. Beer drinking is part taste, part environment; there's nothing like a pint of Guinness in an Dublin pub or a pint of Caledonian heavy at Bennet's in Edinburgh.

Amelia:

My husband found a great Irish Beer that is primarily for export. It is called "Cafferys". It is classified as a "smooth" beer. It takes about 5 minutes for the head to rise and it is the only beer I actually like. My husband likes almost any beer - dark, light or lager. I strongly recommend it if you can find it.

I have to mention that if you can get to Traquair House, do it! Last summer, the guy running the tasting station inside the little beer shop at Traquair was kind enough to open our beers for us to savor as we walked down the long road back to town. The walk was quite enjoyable with such a fabulous beer in hand. They were warm and fresh, and quite a bit better than the bottles we can get at specialty stores in Seattle.

Oh, and the beer mustard is fab, too.

Re: what beer to actually order in a pub in Scotland, I'd align with the others and recommend McEwan's or Caledonian for an everyday beer, and advise staying away from bland lagers like Stella Artois. It sounds exotic, but it isn't. Think Bud Light.

Try Caledonian - I have tried most of the Irish & UK beer during my travels, including "Smith-icks" in Irleand. Caledonian is the best.

As an emeritus beer drinker, I would agree that Caffreys is the best of all beers, but it is Irish. If you are looking for a Scottish beer, then 80 shilling (or 80/-) is right up there with the best of them. I too have visited Traquhair House, but I cannot agree that the beer is worth the trip. It is an historic place but somewhat out of the way.

Ameilia,

I usually drink McEwans, but have been know to try a new unknown beer.
Have fun.
Lori

Caffreys? Irish? The Scottish market gets its Caffreys from the Burton on Trent brewery, Staffordshire, England. This brewery now belongs to the US brewery Coors. I think thats called globalization.

I have many beer drinking friends who would not accord caffreys with the title. Mass produced and fizzy (they would say)