Brew Reviews

Belhaven Best Draught

Price comparison: Slightly more than the average domestic.

Alcohol percentage by volume: 3.9%

Cute bottle/label? 440ml nitro can in a deep teal color with an oval logo.

Appearance: Clear dark gold with a lavish nitro head, cascading bubbles, and thick streaks of lace.

Scent: A little malt, but nothing too discernable.

Flavor: Not much. An unpleasant sense of alkalinity that I suspect derives from its low ABV in proportion to its high carbonation.

Impressions: This is Belhaven's Best? This? I think, in terms of light beer, this is one of the better ones I've had, and it's got to be fairly low-carb if that's what you're in the market for (though, as an import, there is no nutritional information on the can), but honestly. I was disappointed.

Will I buy this beer again? I think I'll just stick with Belhaven's Wee Heavy, thanks.

Rating:

2 out of 5 cute beer glasses

Belhaven Wee Heavy

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.