O’hare’s Beer Club February 2013 Box

Winter Seasonal

From Squamish’s Howe Sound Brewing comes their “Wee Beastie Scotch Ale ” a barrel aged ale.  This scotch ale pours a brownish colour with an off white head.  The aromas are of peat, smoke and malts and oak.  The flavour consists of semi sweet malts, smokey peat, vanilla, oak and hops bitterness.  The alcohol content is 7% and the IBU is 26.  Not usually being a fan of smoky beer I was a little trepidatious trying this beer.  I am very happy to say that it was a great full flavoured brew and I would love to have some more.

Commercial Description:  A rich, malty Wee Heavy style Scotch ale, brewed with 100% barley malt, hops, water and yeast. Peated malt provides a subtle smokiness to this beer, while medium toasted American oak imparts a silky smoothness and additional complexity. Named in honour of Scottish poet Robbie Burns’ famous poem, To A Mouse, written in 1785. Wee, sleeket, cowran, tim’rous beastie, O, what panic’s in thy breastie! A brave big bodied ale!

Food Pairing according to O’hare’s Beer Club notes are as follows:  Hearty meat stew & haggis of course.

Food Pairing according to Howe Sound Brewery:  This smokey darker ale goes well with hearty fare such as hamburgers, sausages, stews, smoked fish, lamb, beef and game as well as other numerous foods such as fried seafood and highly spiced cuisine. It also pairs well with desserts.

Click here to check out the February Box