United Nations of Beer

Cold Smoke Scotch Ale

by Bret
(Las Vegas, NV)

Cold Smoke Scotch Ale (6.5% ABV)
Kettle House Brewing Co., Missoula, MT, USA

Having been on a small road trip recently, a friend brought back a handful of beers from Montana brewers. While I am sure we have all tried Moose Drool Brown ale at least once, I had the opportunity to drink some of the other offerings from this great state.

Cold Smoke is unique in that it only comes in 16oz. cans which adds to the mystique of this beer.

The aroma is beaming with the scent of dark roasted malt and a slightly sweet chocolate smell. There is a slightly metallic hint to this beer, but it does come in a can, that does not take away from the overall appeal of the smell. No real scent of hop bitterness or earthiness, and no real yeast esters to be mentioned.

Cold Smoke's appearance is deep amber in color with no haze or cloudiness. There is a moderate carbonation which creates a thick foamy head that lingers and laces the glass as the beer is consumed. The head itself is a combination of tan and cream which gives it a darker appearance.

The flavor of the dark malts is very smooth and there is a mild coffee aftertaste which comes in near the end and gives it almost a Stout type appeal. There is a little hop bite in the aftertaste which gives this beer a mild earthy bitterness but the malt sweetness comes out as well and blends this ale nicely.

The mouthfeel is very smooth in texture which coats the palate with a strong bittersweet film and flavor. The refreshing moderate carbonation and medium body make this a very potable beer. The ale coats the palate with malt and stays with you for a little while. Overall, this is a very good beer, not the best Scotch Ale I have had, but very good none the less.