The Ale Archive

What they say: “Our tribute to The Bard is a classic, malty Scottish ale…..brewed with 100% Scottish barley for a rich, toffee-malty flavour……great with stews, sausages and of course, the perfect accompaniment to haggis” The latest to guest in our local and a very welcome one too. Belhaven is owned by Suffolk’s Greene King but this is still brewed in Scotland. A lovely pint. 4.2% A.B.V The Rottingdean Club, East Sussex. January 2017

What they say: “Great roasted coffee and wood-smoke aromas, rich dark chocolate and black coffee flavours combined with velvet-smooth oak notes and a spicy, smoky finish” Owned by Greene King which might explain why this appeared in Suffolk, along way from it’s home in Dunbar, Scotland where I assume it’s brewed. I actually missed out on this last Christmas when it appeared at one of the pubs near to the Caravan site in Cherry Hinton, so was pleased to have another chance to sample it. Wow, what a beer, it really was very smokey, but wonderfully enjoyable. Not one I drink all the time but nice as a one off – which is just as well as it’s only available in December anyway! Great stuff though. 5.0% A.B.V. December 2016

What they say: “Historically, the "Shilling" names associated with Scottish ales referred to the wholesale price of a cask………80 Shillings were top-shelf stuff, so we use only the very best Scottish barley malt and finest hops in our 80………A rich, smooth ale with notes of toffee and soft fruit.” This appeared in our local Lidl a couple of weeks ago and having enjoyed Belhaven ales in the past I was eager to try it, and it didn’t disappoint. Just 3.9% A.B.V but very tasty. Would happily drink again, particularly at Lidl’s price!