FARM TABLE 80 SHILLING ~ BEAU’S

80 Shilling is the most recent instalment of Beau’s Farm Table Series. The series tries to stay true to the style of brewing and ingredients utilized in the production of traditional beers. 80 Shilling is Scottish ale. In the 1800’s beers in Scotland were classified on a ‘shilling scale’ 60/ was light and 90/ was a wee heavy. 80/ was considered an export, averaging around 5% ABV. Long after the currency was decimalized and the shilling long disappeared, it still makes an appearance in reference to some Scottish beers. Sampled from a 600 mL bottle this beer poured clear penny coloured amber, with a short lived cream head. Lots of malt on the nose with an earthiness, toast and a buried caramel. The taste was a bit of a surprize, I was expecting a maltier, sweeter brew. The taste was quite earthy, more bitter than malty. Roasted malts were evident mid palette especially as the beer warmed and the finish was an earthy-grassy hop bitterness. I found the finish quite dry. The carbonation was average to low and the mouthfeel was a little watery. Good but not great.

4.7% from Vankleek Hills, Ontario