Here’s my first beer from Heritage Brewing of Manassas, Virginia: Kings Mountain Scot-American Ale aka Kings Mountain Scotch Ale. The beer is named, as we shall soon see, for the famous battle of Kings Mountain that occurred not in Virginia, but in South Carolina. Heritage Brewing is a veteran owned brewery, established in 2013 so a relative newcomer to the beer scene. Heritage beers are not sold in Georgia, but I got a can of this beer from Chuck Triplett via Jeff Evans.
I gravitate towards malty beers (to be sure, I love hops too) so Scotch Ales are right up my alley. As Michael Jackson said so well, "Malt is one of the life forces in every beer. You should be able to taste it in every glass". Truer words could not be spoken, but sadly today many beers have far too little malt, a surprising development indeed in a cart beer world that was a reaction to watery American pilsners adulterated with corn and rice adjuncts. The happy news is that Heritage Kings Mountain Scotch Ale is alive with malty goodness.
From the website:
Kings Mountain marks our first debut into Scottish American history. From immortal Claymore wielding highlanders to a decorated list of Presidents, the Scots hold deep roots in our history. Kings Mountain is named after an overwhelming patriot victory in the Revolutionary war fought between forces of both Scot-Patriots and Scot-loyalists. A fitting name for a beer that holds an overwhelming malt filled flavor. Its robust grain bill of malted barley is at the forefront of its taste. Herbert Hoover once said of Kings Mountain, “This is a place of inspiring memories”, we hope that you feel the same as you enjoy our Scottish American Ale, Kings Mountain. Remember, there can be only one!
Heritage Kings Mountain Scotch Ale has an alcohol content of 7.4% by volume with 15 IBUs. It is brewed with Centennial hops. Total Wine sells the beer for $10.99 a six-pack in Virginia.
Heritage Kings Mountain Scotch Ale pours to a deep dark reddish brown color with a thick creamy tan head and a lovely butterscotch and brown sugar nose. Taking a sip, the beer is full of sweet malty notes, chocolate chip cookies, brown sugar, molasses and toffee come to mind most immediately. There are strong dark fruity raisin notes amidst a full rich body, with a kiss of gently bitter earthy grassy hops at the finish.
Truly delicious, an excellent Scotch ale that I would drink regularly were it sold in my market.
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