BJCP 14C · Scottish Ale
Scottish Export
The strongest of the everyday Scottish ales: malt with caramel and toffee, a dry, slightly roasty finish, restrained hops and clean fermentation.
Scottish Export by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 3.9 – 6.0%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 15 – 30 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 12 – 20 SRM24–39 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.040 – 1.060on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.010 – 1.016on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Scottish Export is like
A malty Scottish ale of medium gravity, with caramel, toffee and toasted bread and a dry finish. The hops balance without standing out.
Appearance
Pale copper to very dark brown, clear. Off-white to cream head with moderate retention.
Aroma
Rich malt with caramel, toffee and some roast; may have a light buttery or fruity note. Low to no hops.
Flavor
Malt up front with caramel and toasted bread, and a dry finish with a light roasty touch. Moderate bitterness, balanced toward the malt.
Mouthfeel
Medium body and low to moderate carbonation. Some warmth may come through in stronger versions.
Where Scottish Export comes from
It's the 80-shilling ale, the strongest of the everyday series. The name Export comes from the versions shipped outside Scotland.
Ingredients
Pale ale malt with crystal, sometimes some amber or wheat malt, and a small amount of roasted barley. English hops in moderate amounts and a clean Scottish yeast.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Scottish Export at home
Mash at 67-68 °C (153-154 °F) and ferment at 15-17 °C (59-63 °F) with Scottish yeast or a clean ale strain. A couple of weeks of cold conditioning will make it cleaner. The classic mistake is confusing it with a Wee Heavy and loading up the gravity, or adding peated malt.
Food pairing
Goes well with roast lamb, smoked salmon or aged cheeses.
Glassware: nonic pint glass, the classic pub glass, made for long drinks.
Classic examples
- Belhaven Scottish Ale
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Scottish Export?
Between 3.9% and 6.0% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a moderate strength.
How bitter is Scottish Export?
It has 15 to 30 IBUs, a low bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Scottish Export?
Copper to brown: 12 to 20 SRM (24 to 39 EBC).
What food pairs well with Scottish Export?
Goes well with roast lamb, smoked salmon or aged cheeses.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Scottish Heavy, Irish Red Ale and Wee Heavy.
If you like Scottish Export, try these
Classification and statistics: official Scottish Export guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.