Wee Heavy - Einstok Review
There are few things more warming than a dark, malty ale, and something tells me those hardy citizens of Iceland need frequent warming. Enter: Einstok’s Wee Heavy, a Scotch-style ale with Icelandic flair.
But what flair might that be, Mr. Brew, with the Scotch ale so distinct in our hearts? Well, Einstok brews their ale with Smoked Icelandic Barley, Pale Malt, Crystal Malt, Chocolate Malt, Bavarian hops, and Icelandic Angelica Root, which can offer earthy, herbal, and bitter flavors. All that gives us a beer at a very respectable (and to be respected) 8.0% ABV.
We’re expecting some intense flavors with a smoked barley, chocolate malt, and the additional angelica root, but Scotch ales also need sweetness and balance, so let’s see how Einstock did.
First Impressions:
On the Eyes--Warm and deep copper, for which we can thank the smoked barley and chocolate malt, and topped with a beige head.
On the Nose--As a wee heavy should, the malt complexity shines in the aroma with caramel, oak, and a slight smokiness at the front.
On the Palate--The upfront caramel melts into a whole barrel of complexity. It’s smoky, chocolatey, and dense with an earthy and woody note I’m guessing is from the angelica root and the Bavarian hops. The full mouthfeel matches the malt complexity through the dry finish with an earthy bitterness, a roasted note, and dark chocolate lingering, giving it a bit of stout character in the finish. Judicious sipping keeps it complex and interesting, especially as the nuanced notes of the Bavarian hops and angelica root come forth.
Food Pairings: Einstok suggests pairing Wee Heavy with roasted or grilled lamb, beef, or pork, smoked cheeses or smoked salmon, and, if you love a decadent adventure, chocolate or chocolate cake, bread pudding, or creamy fruit desserts.
Final Thoughts:
This is a good beer. We would even venture to say that it’s a great beer. It has decent balance considering the complex and powerful malt. It has the look and the sweetness and the mouthfeel we love in a dark malty ale. And it’s a truly unique beer with ingredients no other brewer is using.
But is it a Scotch Ale?
As much as I truly enjoy this beer, I have to be an objective beer reviewer and say no. Besides the Crystal malt, there’s nothing Scottish about this beer. Even the hops are Bavarian over English (I don’t know about the yeast), but for it to be a Scotch-style it has to have more of that Scottish/English character.
What this beer really is is a uniquely Icelandic beer, and one they should be proud to produce. It took me a long time to get my hands on this beer, but it finally found its way to me. Get your hands on some if you see it and decide for yourself if it’s Scottish enough for you. Either way, I think you’ll enjoy it as much as we did.
Cheers!
Mr. Brew
Check out another of our favorite Einstok seasonals: Doppelbock!
Or if you’re looking for a strong Scotch Ale from a Texas brewer, try Real Heavy by Real Ale. Brew house approved.