Sprecher Pipers Scotch Ale

Brewed by Sprecher Brewing Company
Style: Scotch Ale
Glendale, Wisconsin USA

Bottle shared by sliffy...thanks...I think. ;) Pours a deep amber with a white head....seems we’re off to an ok start. The aroma was pretty ghastly: some really sweet malt overpowered by the odor of orange marshmallow circus peanuts and subtle hints of leather furniture. Medicinal flavor...the taste is how some polishes smell...cough syrup type elements and more circus peanuts with some slight elements of malt and smoke. It seems a lot of people getting a lot of smoke out of this, all I got was weird off flavors. Over carbonated body with a very medicinal finish. I would’ve guessed infection for some of these flaws until I was told the Barley Wine drank in a similar way.

16oz bottle.
Pours a clear dark rich chestnut brown with foamy off-white head that gradually recedes to a ring that leaves small bits of lace. Aroma is a luscious rich caramel malt with a touch of molasses. Flavor is dominated, too much so, by peaty smoke flavor. This is practically a rauchbier. (I suppose technically it is.) Nearly lost in the liquid smoke is the otherwise wonderful, warming creamy caramel malt, touch of maple, and tingly alchol that shows its 8%+ without becoming intrusive. Palate is oily and a little flat. I think I’m just too sensitive to smoke flavors because I’ve had rauchbiers that tasted like nothing but burning wood to me while most others note "a hint of smoke." I just can’t get over the overwhelming peat smoke flavor in this beer. It overshadows what otherwise seems like a very nice Scotch ale.

Bottle: Dark amber with a white head. Aroma, caramel, some smoke, and leather. Flavor, brown sugar, too much carbonation, some alcohol. Just didn’t work for me, it tasted off.

16oz bottle. Aroma: Strong grainy maltiness. Equally strong caramel aroma. Slight dark fruit. Earthiness is just that...earthy. Smells like rich soil. Appearance: Dark reddish brown in color. Light khaki head was full and frothy but didn’t last long. Fair lacing. Flavor: Rich and sweet maltiness with strong caramel overtones. Toasted nuts and a nice smokiness. Some light raisiny notes, as well. Palate: Medium-full bodied. Medium carbonation seemed a little high and prickly. Nice alcohol warming in back of mouth. Overall: A nice representation of the style, and tasty to boot. A little fuller mouthfeel and a little less carbonation would make it even better.

Ruby brownish color. Modest head. This is a pretty good Scottish style ale with mild peat and smoke in the middle/finish. Only drawback is that it’s a bit thin. Needs more sweet malt and a thicker mouthfeel like a Wee Heavy. Great value tho at about $1.70 a pint. Will have to buy more.

(Bottle, Stockholm Beer Festival, 7 Oct) Dark brown colour with ruby notes, off-white creamy head. Malty nose with hints of smoke (wet birch-wood?) and dark fruit. Malty taste with dried fruit (raisins, prunes) and hints of smoke. Medium to full body, sweetish and warming. Nice balance. Would be lovely on a chilling winter afternoon.

[Bottled. Stockholm Beer Festival] Hazy brown colour, white creamy head. Bit ashy in aroma with notes of caramel and milk chocolate. Thick and malty, sweetish, with notes of almonds and prune. Smooth mouthfeel, medium to big body.

Pours a deep brown with ruby red when held to the light. Smaller off with creamy head that left light lacing. Aroma of prunes, raison caramel and light hops. Flavor of dark fruits, some wood, light smoke, caramel, sweet malts...if this had a touch more smoke in the flavor and especially the aroma I would have loved it. Still a good brew though.