I have a nostalgic fondness for Belhaven Scottish Ale. Before I was a budding beer enthusiast, this was one of the first craft beers to pass my lips. I was a regular customer at a small liquor store near my home, mostly because the owner was personable and very friendly to his customers. He was a wine savant, but he also brought in lots of good beers too, and this was one of them. It was in fact his favorite beer, and he was definitely onto something. Eventually, I would work for him and help foster an appreciation for this beer and other craft brews in others. Today, I still think of Mac's Liquors and the owner, Jeff, with every sip of Belhaven I take.

The Belhaven brewery is located in Dunbar, Scotland, not far from Edinburgh. It is the oldest brewery in Scotland still in operation, dating back to 1719. The brewery makes a wide array of beers, but only a few are imported into the United States.

Belhaven pours to a medium brown color and forms a large, creamy white head. This beer is now available in the nitrogen-charged cans similar to Guinness or Boddington's, but I am pouring from a 1/2 liter bottle. The nose is nutty malty, and a tad sour. The palate is smooth, lightly nutty, with hints of caramel and a light hoppy finish. There's a rich mouthfeel and candy sugar like character too. The brew is much more akin to Newcastle Brown (also a Scottish beer) than a McEwan's or Macandrew's however. This is a truly flavorful brew that is not overpowering. It is accessible to the craft beer novice, yet flavorful enough for the beer enthusiast.

Update 10/29/2018: Enjoying a can of Belhaven with the draft widget at Total Wine, it runs $10.99 for a 4-pack of 15-ounce cans. The beer pours to a beautiful tawny amber color with a thick creamy head and a soft nutty malty nose. Smooth and silky in the palate with toffee and treacle and toasted notes and a smooth balanced finish. This is a truly beautiful beer with a lovely creamy nutty palate.

From the can label:

Belhaven- or "beautiful bay" nestles among the rolling barley fields of Scotland's beautiful east coast. For nearly 300 years, we have brewed in this place using only the finest ingredients. Continuing that long tradition, our signature Scottish Ale is brewed from 100% Scottish Pale and Crystal barley malts for a nutty, biscuit character, balanced with a subtle spiciness from Challenger and Goldings hops for an all-around satisfying ale.

My can says the beer has an alcohol content of 5.2% by volume and the company website says the beer has 21 IBUs. My can is stamped as best by APR 30 19.



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