United Nations of Beer

MacKroken Flower Scotch Ale au Miel

by Ashley Cotter-Cairns
(UNOB HQ)

MacKroken Flower Scotch Ale au Miel (10.5% ABV)
MB Le Bilboquet, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada

Here's a winter warmer that, ironically, I picked up in the hottest week of what's been a desperately wet and miserable summer here in Quebec.

Sourced at my favourite beer store in Montreal, Supermarche Rahman, this cost a whopping $7 for 500mls, but weighs in at a monster 10.5% ABV. That's stronger than any of the 'regular' Unibroue beers.

Being a "Scotch" ale, this is dark caramel in colour and wears a small, fluffy head that so far looks like sticking around for the duration.

There might be a hint of honey in the nose, but it's really only put there by the power of suggestion -- after all, this beer DOES call itself a honey beer. Mostly you smell strong, sweet alcohol and hints of spices.

Alcohol is very forward in the initial mouthful, which is also quite carbonated. You'll feel the warmth as you swallow, along with a sweetness that is perfectly balanced by the bitter hops and powerful alcohol.

This is a sipper. One bottle should last you an hour or more.

I like this beer. I don't think it's going to become my all-time tastiest, simply because I don't much enjoy the Scotch style: too sweet, too samey. This is probably the best Scotch ale I've had of all the Quebec beer I've tried, though and if I were seeking out a similar beer, I would not hesitate to drink MacKroken Scotch Ale au Miel beer again. Le Bilboquet is a brewery to watch.