Here’s my second “new” beer from the Sierra Nevada Snowpack Seasonal Sampler: Sierra Nevada Maple Scotch Ale. This is a big, malty brew with a little extra alcohol kick to get you through those cold winter nights. Mind you, we don’t get much in the way of winter here in Georgia, but it does get cool and yes, at times cold. Sierra Nevada Maple Scotch Ale certainly hits the spot on those rare night here. If it gets cold more often where you are? Better by a little extra Sierra Nevada Maple Scotch Ale.

Now, I’ve had lots of beers from Sierra Nevada (click the Sierra Nevada brewery button above to see the ones I’ve reviewed), but this is the first Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy I’ve had from them. Sierra Nevada excels at brewing hoppy beers, but they know malt, too. Sierra Nevada Maple Scotch Ale is proof positive of that.

From the label:

Scotch ales are wintertime staples, known for their rich, malty flavors. This robust beer combines that traditional malt flavor with a hint of maple for an added layer of depth, making this intense beer the perfect thing for sipping near a warm winter hearth.

Ingredients from the website:

Yeast   Ale yeast 

Bittering Hops   Aurora 

Finishing Hops   Aurora 

Malts   Two-row Pale, Caramel, Munich, Chocolate 

Other   Maple Syrup

Sierra Nevada Maple Scotch Ale has an alcohol content of 7.3% by volume with 43 IBUs. Keep in mind that IBUs are relative, and all that malt is going to balance some of them off. I paid $13.29 for my 12-pack, which also includes 3 bottles each of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Sierra Nevada Single Hop Cascade IPA, and Sierra Nevada Coffee Stout.

Sierra Nevada Maple Scotch Ale pours to a murky brown color with a medium head of creamy foam and a light butterscotch nose. Taking a sip, the beer has immediate notes of caramel and butterscotch up front with a big malty depth of flavor. In the finish, there’s a balancing soft grassy bitterness that keeps the beer from cloying. I’m not really getting the maple, but this is a very tasty Scotch ale all the same.

As a malt lover, I’m quite pleased with Sierra Nevada Maple Scotch Ale. I think you’ll enjoy it too.

Update 10/13/2019: Well look what I found! My last bottle of Sierra Nevada Maple Scotch Ale, now with 3 years of age on it. The maple actually seems to come out more now than it did when the beer was fresh, but it's big and malty and a lot like butterscotch pudding with layers of maple syrup. Caramel is prominent, too. Bring this back Sierra Nevada!

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

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