Hope & King Scotch Ale
On tap at the brewpub, I've seen this for years but haven't tried it... Heavy semi-opaque umber color, nice rising head with some glistening speckles. Laces in long strands. Aroma is full but not strident, subdued malt with some spicy fig elements that might betray background hops. Verges on full-bodied with lots of cakey, yeasty, starchy qualities and malts that range into maple sugar. While hops aren't assertive, the beer composes to a paprika-like dryness near the finish, while keeping the good mouthfeel -- a little different for a Scotch Ale. Nice beer, lots of thinks to keep track of.