Scotch Ale

Classic Beer Style Series #8

by Greg Noonan

With this book, Noonan presents his keen insights into yeast, hops, malts, water, and brewing conditions to help you achieve a superior batch of Scotch ale.

Genres: Brewing, Beer, Nonfiction

197 pages, Paperback

First published January 25, 1993

Reviews

[Paul Klammer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best, most readable and engaging book I've read so far in this series. I might be a wee bit biased as I do love Scottish and Scott's Ales. Fascinating to learn that Scotland has been a premier brewer of so many styles and sad that such a small range of them has survived. There are a couple process tips here that I had never encountered that will be applicable to all my brewing going forward. And, I can't wait to explore the recipes for double mashing the traditional style Scottish ales. Highly recommended if you have the least interest in this style, and required background if you are a home brewer who seeks to make the best possible examples of these beers.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a rather dry read, even for someone like me who is interested in the historical analysis of beer styles. And I would warn laypeople against reading it since there are a lot of terms that are not well defied. Still it's a great reference and a good example of how to re-contextualize information from hundreds of scattered sources into a concise format.

[Mitch Romig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holds up better to advances in brewing than some books in the series, probably mainly because this style has done the same. There is no mention of the American tendency to add smoked malt to Scotch Ales, I'm not sure when that started and I know it's not traditional but I was waiting for it come up.

[Eric Magruder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting history of Scotch Ales. Made me evaluate my brewing procedures. Also, makes me want to visit Edinburgh even more!