Pic(k) of the Week: Scotch Ale Afternoon

In an American 'craft' beer scene awash with hoppy monsters, it's refreshing to taste a beer that celebrates the fermentable heart and soul of beer: malted barley.

Above, a snifter filled with an American interpretation of a strong Scotch ale. Deep brown/red, unctuous, flavors of toffee, caramel, some roast and plummy fruit. Served cask-conditioned, 13 March 2011, at Mad Fox Brewing Company, in Falls Church, Virginia. Brewmaster and owner, Bill Madden, has won several medals for previous iterations of this Scotch ale recipe —at other breweries— including a gold at the former US Real Ale Festival, and a gold and silver at the Great American Beer Festival.

*********************
Pic(k) of the Week: one in a weekly series of personal photos, often posted on Saturdays.