BJCP 14B · Scottish Ale
Scottish Heavy
A malty Scottish ale with caramel, a hint of roast and a dry finish. A bit bigger than the Scottish Light, with minimal hops and a clean, cool fermentation.
Scottish Heavy by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 3.3 – 3.9%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 10 – 20 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 12 – 20 SRM24–39 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.035 – 1.040on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.010 – 1.015on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Scottish Heavy is like
A malty ale of low to moderate gravity, with caramel, bread and a dry, slightly roasty finish. More flavor and body than the Scottish Light, but the same clean character.
Appearance
Pale copper to very dark brown, clear. Off-white head with moderate retention.
Aroma
Malt with caramel and toffee, some roast and maybe a light butteriness. Hops barely perceptible.
Flavor
Caramel and biscuit malt with a dry finish and a light roast. Low to moderate bitterness and almost no hop flavor.
Mouthfeel
Medium-light to medium body and low to moderate carbonation.
Where Scottish Heavy comes from
It's the 70-shilling Scottish ale, a name that came from the price per barrel in the 19th century. It sat between the everyday Scottish Light and the Scottish Export.
Ingredients
Pale ale malt with crystal and a pinch of roasted barley. English hops in small amounts and a clean Scottish yeast.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Scottish Heavy at home
Mash at 67-69 °C (153-156 °F) and ferment at 15-17 °C (59-63 °F). Some brewers boil longer or reduce part of the first runnings to build caramel, but a few well-chosen crystal malts are enough. Don't use smoked malt or let the yeast throw a lot of esters.
Food pairing
Pairs with haggis, beef stew or Scottish cheddar.
Glassware: nonic pint glass, the classic pub glass, made for long drinks.
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Scottish Heavy?
Between 3.3% and 3.9% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a low strength.
How bitter is Scottish Heavy?
It has 10 to 20 IBUs, a low bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Scottish Heavy?
Copper to brown: 12 to 20 SRM (24 to 39 EBC).
What food pairs well with Scottish Heavy?
Pairs with haggis, beef stew or Scottish cheddar.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Scottish Light, Scottish Export and Irish Red Ale.
If you like Scottish Heavy, try these
Classification and statistics: official Scottish Heavy guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.