Claverhouse Red – Strathhaven Brewers

I supped a pint of this ale at a recent beer festival in Linlithgow, at the fine Four Mary’s real ale pub. Hey had an array of beers on tap, with 10 beers on the front bar and another 12 at the rear. Always a good place to imbibe a fine pint, I got stuck merrily in!

First impressions of the Claverhouse included a particularly sweet smell, with a bit of chocolate to it. The taste was quite similar, with no hoppy bitterness, just a sweet honey and caramel taste. This ale’s right to my liking, satisfying the sweet tooth I try to hide.

It’s not all sugar and sweetness in the Claverhouse though, the guys at Strathaven have made sure it’s got a decent clout to it, an it’s definitely got a hint of stout or porter to it, but quite subtle.

This is a really nice beer, best I’ve had in a while. The Strathaven Brewery better ramp up production because I’m putting a big Claverhouse order in!

8.5/10