According to their website, Andrew and Val Stimpson set up shop at the abandoned Crystal Springs Brewery in 1997. Operating for the better part of two decades, these award-winning brewmasters have brought their British roots to bear in giving the world Neustadt Scottish Pale Ale from Neustadt Springs Brewery. Two British ex-patriates’ take on an American version of a unique Scottish flavour …
Neustadt Scottish Pale Ale – First Sip
Neustadt Scottish Pale Ale pours nicely into my glass: it’s an almost cloudy orange-brown with a thin layer of head. This beer is malty. It has a sweet-and-sour flavour that fades to a grainy finish. Neustadt Scottish Pale Ale has a smooth but crisp mouthfeel that gives this brew an easy-drinkin’ quality while accentuating its unique sweet-and-sour taste.
Neustadt Scottish Pale Ale – Last Sip
I’ve never had a Scottish pale ale before so this is all new to me. But, if Scottish pale ales are generally malt-forward and grainy then this is an excellent version of one. Its sweet-and-sour taste make it a great beer to enjoy ice cold or at room temperature. My very limited research into Scottish ale has taught me that it’s essentially a North American take on what’s generally referred to as Scotch ale (Innis & Gunn being a popular brewer of such). Wikipedia also reports that Scottish or Scotch ales are great chasers for Scotch whisky. I decided to put wikipedia’s statement to the test.
Neustadt Scottish Pale Ale – As a chaser for Scotch
I admit my inferior Scotch whisky selection but expect no flack for drinking this unique brew as a chaser for Johnnie Walker Red Label. Here we go (I raise my shot glass to the victims of the Battle of Culloden). Hoots mon! Aside from the obvious, drinking a wee bit o’ whisky is a great way to set off the flavour of this brew. Its sweet-and-sour taste complements well the earthy flavour of the Scotch. Just don’t perform this alcoholic combination too often, Neustadt Scottish Pale Ale’s relatively low alcohol percentage (4.5% ABV versus Innis & Gunn Original‘s 6.6%) notwithstanding. Although, I may try it again with a single malt during Outlander’s Season Two finale, ye ken?
