An extended review of a beer featured as a new real ale in a bottle on the bottled beer review page in the February 2011 issue of BEER magazine, sent free every quarter to CAMRA members, who can also view it online. The magazine is additionally available in selected newsagents.
ABV: 5%
Origin: Newington, Edinburgh, Scotland
Website: www.stewartbrewing.co.uk
Stewart St Giles
I appreciate Edinburgh micro Stewart’s, founded by ex-Bass brewer Steve Stewart and his partner Jo in 2004, for brewing at least some cask ales that are unapologetically Scottish in character, reflecting the country’s distinct tradition – not always the case with the current crop of micros north of the border. I was delighted to hear they now have a bottle conditioned range, from which St Giles, named after the landmark Presbyterian High Kirk on the capital’s Royal Mile, stands out as the best and most Scottish of the ones I’ve tried.
This deep cherry red beer has a ripe and malty aroma with spiced cinder toffee notes, and a classic malty-fruity palate with cereal malt and toffee lifted by gently roasty dryness. A long chewy sappy light caramel finish is mainly dried by developing burnt cake and roast notes, with a gentle hint of hops. A warming, soothing glassful for an Edinburgh winter day.
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Read more about this beer at ratebeer.com: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/stewart-st-giles/115585/
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