Beer Review: Big Eddy Wee Heavy Scotch Ale

Reviewing the Big Eddy Wee Heavy Scotch Ale from the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company.
Score: 84

The 2012 release of this brew is the first ever. This bottle has two codes on it. The top code is "03212." The bottom code is "821011220." Served in a Great Lakes snifter and enjoyed on 03/06/12.

Appearance: Pours a deep caramel/dark mahogany color. Depending on what direction the light hits the beer, it's either transparent, translucent or moderately opaque. Just under a finger of creamy, sand colored head at pour quickly settles into a ring around the glass. Average lacing, slightly above average retention. 4/5

Smell: Creamy and sugary vanilla, tiramissu, caramel, and a touch of barley. Moderate alcohol esters and a little toffee too. Some roasted chocolate malt and dried fig too. 3.5/5

Taste: First impression is a "smoked fatty meat" flavor. Just a very savory smokiness. Beyond that, I taste "watered down" caramel and toffee. The flavor is there, and there's certainly a residual "smokey caramel" flavor in the finish, but a thin body really prevents the balance of the flavor from making a bold impression. There is a subtle candied dark cherry/fruitiness on the midpalate too. Finishes with that "smokey caramel" flavor alluded to above. Quite drinkable and not very sweet. 9.5% ABV is almost completely hidden. 3.5/5

Mouthfeel: Overly light bodied with low carbonation. Really digging the silky, creamy mouthfeel, but the beer is entirely too thin bodied. Finishes moderately sweet and malty. 3/5

Overall: Not a bad attempt at the Scotch Ale by Leinenkugel, but not a great success either. The thin body of this brew is a real weakness. The Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout was much better.

Recommendation: I'd recommend trying this once if you get the chance, but I cannot recommend going out of your way to try this brew (or buying a four pack). Probably a great starter craft beer for casual beer drinkers.

Pairings: Bacon, probably. I do not eat bacon, but it is smokey and salty. If you do not eat bacon, pick a different smokey and salty meat. I could see this being a great "wake up" beer to drink on a weekend camping trip where you are cooking your breakfast over a 6 AM campfire.

Cost: $10.99 for a four pack or $3.49 for a single bottle.