
Service Brewing R&D Wee Heavy
In the interest of full disclosure, BDR’s own Keith Dion works as cellerman for Service Brewing. Although he’s normally our go-to beer review guy, he feels that he can’t objectively review the beers he has a hand in brewing. We do, however, drink a lot of Service beer, and it seems silly to ignore them in the daily review. I’ve stepped in to take over for Keith on these beers.
I’ve read that the Wee Heavy, or Scotch Ale, can be considered the Scottish version of an English-style Barleywine. If this can be taken as true, then Service Brewing R&D Wee Heavy has hit this one on the head. Lets talk appearances first, this Wee Heavy has a deep caramel coloration too it. That color sets you up for the flavor profile. This beer is appropriately malt forward for the style with a lot of caramel sweetness. They’re version also carries with it a strong grape or raisin flavor that really pushes the Barleywine comparison to it’s edge.
The title Wee Heavy can be interpreted in a lot of different ways but Service has done a great job keeping this beer near its roots.