Re: Scottish-American Ale?

Originally Posted by
NewEnglander
What I'm talking about is taking a Scottish Ale and adding an American twist, not just by brewing it here in the States, but my somehow adding more hops to it. I don't think I'd want to lose the malty character or make it too bitter, but rather but more aroma hops in it.
Any of the other kilted homebrewers see what I'm talking about or have any suggestions?
Sounds like you'd want a moderately floral aroma hop in small amounts to spice up the attack just enough to be noticeable, while letting that warm sweet maltiness shine through to the finish. Just enough to make the drinker say, "What? Lemme try another sip of that..."
Some one of the traditional British ale hops. You want it to fit the beer. Or you could go totally Left Coast and just toss in a few cones of Cascade before you chill it into your fermenter. Maybe go with a "gruit" or herb mixture other than hops, such as a few sprigs of heather?
Depends on how "true to style" you want to be. Nothing wrong with "fusion" and innovation, of course.
Dr. Charles A. Hays
The Kilted Perfesser
Laird in Residence, Blathering-at-the-Lectern
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