Calavera's Smoky Scottish Ale 80

Cerveceria Calavera is another stand out micro brewery in Mexico. From the many beers I've tasted down here, there are only a handful of breweries that rise to the top of my list in regards to a consistently good selection of styles.

Calavera ranks in my top three, following closely behind my favorite, La Chingoneria who produce my all time best "Armargator". Calavera comes in next with their take on a Belgian Tripel and then Tijuana Brewing with their 'Guera'.  However, I have to say that I take exception with Tijuana Brewing because of their proximity to San Diego and the obvious influence of the So. California beer scene.

Calavera Smoky Scottish Ale

Today, I revisiting Calavera by trying out a glass of the Smoky Scottish Ale 80/- down at Cafe Mesa Grande. I've never been a big fan of the Scottish style as it tends to be too sweet and cloying for my tastes but if the Mexican brewers are trying to make it, I want to sample their take on the style.

In this case, it's a beer I'm enjoying and maybe that's because it doesn't live up to the classic commercial examples. This beer is much dryer than I expected with very mild (almost non-existent) smoke flavor that hides behind a mild layer of raisin and caramel malt and some phenol spice. With a fluffy, light tan head that drops quickly, the beer is dark amber with a much thinner mouthfeel than the classic Scottish ale. This is a bottle conditioned beer and has some yeast flavors along with a little stale metallic quality. Overall, the detractors are a minor component as I find the beer pleasing and easy to drink but again, (like their example of a Belgian Dubbel) it doesn't measure up to the classic styles I'm use to drinking in the States.

Just as a side note: I'll be using this blog as a way of posting updates to my attempts at starting a brewing school in Mexico. Keep your fingers crossed and feel free to give opinions as I progress. Cheers!