Bottle/Tap: Tap and can
When it comes to Scottish ales, we got off on the wrong foot. I’ve had Sam Adams and a few other variations that did not impress me. For a long time I stayed away from Scottish ales because I thought they all had that burned bitter flavor to them, and I didn’t want to have any part. Then one day I was out with friends, and one of my buddies got a Belhaven and soon after I got a Belhaven. I wish I had this Scottish ale before all the others.
Either way you pour it in your glass, this ale looks like a Guinness. The separation as the head builds at the top just made this ale look delicious. I was happy that there was no bitter flavor at all, or burned notes, nothing like that all. This beer was too smooth to drink, and I almost was going to ask for a half and half with Boddington’s, but I’ll save that for some other time.
I have a feeling that all Scottish ales should taste like this as opposed to what Sam’s puts out. To be honest, the Sam’s reminds me of burned whisky, if that is possible to conceive. Belhaven was the perfect substitute for Guinness, and I was happy to find it in Hopkinton.
There are directions on the can to make sure you enjoy the beer. All you need to do is chill it for a bit and pour it in a glass slowly. There is a rich taste if you let it get to room temperature, the key word is ‘if’ because I drink mine too fast. If you are the type that likes a creamy looking stout, with a dark color and smooth taste, you will enjoy Belhaven.
Tags: Beer, Belahven, Scottish ale
You compare this to Guinness a few times int his article… what is the exact comparison and contrast? Which do you prefer?
The pour and separation is comparable to Guinness. Belhaven doesn’t have as heavy a body to it. If you drink two Guinness, you know you drank two Guinness. However, after two Belhaven I was ready for a third.