Country of Origin: Scotland
Price comparison: About twice the price of everyday beer.
Alcohol percentage by volume: 6.5%
Cute bottle/label? Wide 500ml brown glass bottle with raised lettering: "Belhaven est. 1719" on the shoulders. Rampant red lion on the label; gilded lettering proclaiming the brand.
Appearance: Dark clear amber with a thick head and consistent lacing.
Scent: Toasted malt, some unnameable spiciness in the background.
Flavor: Rich and smoky, with a snappy finish. Reminded me of the smell of pipe tobacco.
Impressions: Recommended by John over at the IHOD, who has learned my tastes and is constantly on the lookout for a new beer for me to review. Good boy. This ale would be incongruous with anything spicier than black pepper, and would taste downright weird with ethnic food, I think, but seems nearly tailor-made to wash down burgers and fries.
Will I buy this beer again? I really enjoyed the taste of this beer, but I love that name: wee heavy. I mean, doesn't that just totally speak volumes? It won't be a regular, at that price, but yeah, it's a nice treat.
Rating:
3½ out of 5 cute beer glasses
P.S.: I've found out why they call it Wee Heavy. I had to get up about once an hour last night. It's okay, though; I still like it.
Reviewed: November 17, 2003
