Scotch Ales (Wee Heavy) are one of my personal favorites. Originating as 'strong ales' from from Edinburgh they have a boozy presence, but is controlled with a full malty taste and a stark sweetness. Great Divide's Claymore has a different vibration compared to most Wee Heavys. Aesthetically, the bottle and title are perfect. It pours a lovely ruby and its aroma fills your nose with sweet carmley malt. It goes down as a smooth medium body ale, and lacks the typical metallic tinge Scotch Ales typically carry. My favorite quality is the chocolate notes, its defiantly noticeable, but not overbearing. Claymore has a slight warming feeling which is excepted with such beer. Overall it is a terrific Scotch Ale, but with a different twist than the average (breaking the archetype can be a positive).
