Pike Kilt Lifter Scotch Ale by Pike Brewing Co. was judged as a Wee Heavy, BJCP category 17C.
The aroma provides a deep caramel malt presence with a low-level background hint of smoke. There is a very faint hint of earthy hops along with some fruity esters reminiscent of dried cherries. A touch of fleeting roast character is noted as it warms. The beer pours a deep amber color with some orange highlights. Brilliantly clear with a big creamy light tan headstand. Great retention. The flavor brings a big deep caramelized sugar aspect, neither burnt nor sweet. Rich dark caramel maltiness are accompanied by some cherry esters. Definitely balanced toward the hops as it should be with just enough bittering hops and dark malts to move it away from being cloying. There is a dark toast accompanying the medium sweet finish. Lingering caramel malts well into the aftertaste. Full bodied and creamy with moderately low carbonation levels which add to the impression of fullness. There is no noted alcohol warmth expected for the style.
Overall a very nice malty Scottish ale. As noted above, I judged this as a Wee Heavy but I’m not sure that is the brewers’ intention. However, I believe the level of maltiness, especially the hints of smoke and roast, along with the caramelized sugar aspects cause it to fall closer to a Wee Heavy than a Scottish Export. The malt is rich and caramelly but a little lacking in the complexity of a classic Wee Heavy. The other malt notes are just a little to subdued while the esters seem slightly elevated. The beer is on the low end of the spectrum for a Wee Heavy. No alcohol is perceived in the flavor and the lack of warming in the mouth feel diminishes the anticipated pleasure of the style. These are mostly tweaking notes to more closely fit the classic style as well as my personal preference. I am sure malty beer lovers will join me in savoring this beer.