There's a difference between Scotch Ale and Scottish Ale, you know. Not everybody seems to make the distinction these days, but it's an important one. If you enjoy Belhaven, then you have a fair idea what a Scottish Ale is. If you're not familiar with Scotch Ale (also known as "Wee Heavy"), then you might want to pick up a six-pack of Great Divide Claymore Scotch Ale.
Before you ask, Claymore is not named after the infamous mine that was used widely in Vietnam and is so popular in movies these days. Rather, it's named for a Medieval Scottish sword (the mine is as well). But don't be afraid: one sip of this sweet, malty beauty and you'll know there's nothing to fear from this Claymore.
Back to the topic of Scotch ales, or wee heavies. They're generally dark brown in color, thick and almost sticky sweet with hints of dark fruit and sometimes peat. They're usually quite warming as well with an extra dose of alcohol (Claymore weighs in at 7.7% by volume).
Great Divide Claymore Scotch Ale pours to a jet black color with a very minimal head formation and a dark malty nose laced with aromas of fig and raisin. The palate is very sweet, with colossal notes of brown sugar and molasses up front tempered with chocolate, raisin, and a hint of smoke. In the finish, I'm getting a hint of peat and a very subtle alcohol warmth but little hops, and the beer finishes as sweet as it started.
Perhaps a bit sweeter than I'd like and not quite the depth of dark malty flavors you'll find in the classics like McAndrew's and the sadly defunct Skyview Brewpub's Kiltie's Pride Scotch Ales. But still a tasty, complex, and delicious Scotch (not Scottish) ale. This is also a beer that ages gracefully, so don't be afraid to keep some around. I still have a few bottles from the January 29th, 2010 batch and they're smooth and delicious as ever.
A beer this rich and malty is not one I would readily pair with foods (though it is surprisingly good over vanilla ice cream). It is, however, extremely welcome served up in a thistle-shaped glass on a cold winter's night, the likes of which seem to be so plentiful in this the winter of 2010-2011.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
(G)=Growler