Raise a Pint for Burns' Night

Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? 

The first line to Robert Burns’ famous poem Auld Lang Syne which asks is it ok to forget the old times? Traditionally this is sang on Burns’ Night, where a dinner is held to celebrate Scotland’s most famous poet. Scotland is steeped in history and it is often remembered with their traditional food and drink. One such piece of history lies in their beer culture and whilst I was in Edinburgh I discovered the 80/-, or 80 shilling beer.

The 80/- beer’s origins go back to 1880 when malt and sugar taxes were replaced with Beer Duty. It was then the Shilling System was put in place. Ales were named on the prices per barrel, with more value on the stronger beers with higher alcohol content. The weaker beers were dubbed ‘light’ ales and the stronger ones ‘wee heavies’. 

The 80/- ale I tried was by Stewart Brewing who are an independent brewery based in Edinburgh. Whilst they are innovative with craft ales they are also brewing Edinburgh’s traditional beers. I was unsure what to expect from this style of beer as I have never come across it before but where better to try this then in Scotland itself. The liquid poured out a rich chestnut colour with close textured lacing on the head. When I took my first sip I noticed how the foam had a ‘cling’ much like a Guinness. Despite this the creamy mouthfeel was surprisingly quite light. I found there wasn't much of an aroma but the taste of toasted malt caramel was powerful - well they don't call it a ‘Wee Heavy’ for nothing

I think it is great that more modern breweries are still brewing traditional and historical styles. It shows great regional pride, much like Scotland’s Haggis and Scotch Whiskey. Whilst we move forward in the beer industry with new styles and processes, we should be reminded not to forget the history of different regional beers. As Robert Burns wrote:

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup! And surely I’ll buy mine! And we’ll take a cup o’  kindness yet, for Auld Lang Syne.

Slainte!