Shoreline Beltaine Scottish Ale

Sampled from a growler on 9/30/06: Pours a clear dark brown with a thin, wispy tan head. Has a sweet and malty peaty aroma. Body starts sweet and dark caramely with a touch of milk chocolate. A well balanced and authentic brew.

Draught sample at the brewpub, June 19 2007. Dark unclear maple body with a hint of lasting head....a bit of prune and maple in the nose, a suggestion of plum pudding, quite pleasant though fairly simple....moderately sweet body with a sour apple undertone, touches of caramel malt at the front, becoming mostly dry and fairly bitter with heavily toasty/burnt qualities....low carbonation, very drinkable though a touch watery like many of the beers I sampled.

This pours a deep chestnut body boldly hihlighted in shades of red with a negligible head. There’s a rich caramel sweetness to the node, also roasted nuts, and a suggestion of smoke. Smooth. Big malty flavors along with some pome fruits, wood, a suggestion of chocolate, and a bitter nut or three. Nice.

<font size=-4><a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/Places/ShowPlace.asp?PlaceID=4970>Shoreline Brewery, Michigan City, IN<font size=-1>

@Indiana Beerfest-on tap-pours a thin tan head and mahogany color. Aroma is medium malt-(caramel?), tangerine-dark fruit. Taste is medium malt-(caramel?), tangerine-dark fruit, secondary coppery hops. Towards a Scottish DB.

1st batch on tap: Coppery hue with a small fading head and some lace. The aroma has notes of currant and spice apple, earthy and caramel malts and some peppery esters. The taste has a sweet malt beginning with an earthy dryness on the finish. Some subdued spice and flowery components as well. Needs a major increase in caramel and alcohol IMO. The feel is dry and smooth, watery for style. An entry level Scottish Ale with not much depth but enjoyable enough.