Well, lads and lassies, this was not a "normal" Scottish Ale.  I'm used to Scottish ales being more assertive and malty.  Generally, there is also a higher alcohol in a lot of beer that we get here in the U.S of A.  My main goal for a Scottish ale is for it to get me hiking up my kilt after two or three of 'em.  Okay! time to be serious. Although the beer is only 4% ABV, don't let that fool you.  It is far fuller than many a beer (especially of the commercial variety).  When I poured my beer into the glass, I noted its deep reddish-brown color.  It smacked of a lovely lassie's hair.  Gorgeous in the glass.  There was a light brown and creamy, long-lasting head on the brew.  It was fairly spritzy and active as I looked at it in the glass.  The aesthetics of the ale were very nice. When I sniffed this concoction, I noted a hoppy aroma.  It was flowery in its hoppy aspects.  The hops were not overpowering in that I also noted a dry malty and metallic odor in the beer.  Also noticeable in the beer was the yeast aroma and a hint of fruits (maybe cherries, which was touched upon in the ...

This beer comes from the Orkney Brewery in Quoyloo Scotland.  Their most famous beer (at least in the U.S) is Skull Splitter.  That beer is a more traditional (heavy or wee heavy) Scottish ale.  This simply means that you can count on a notable sweetness and maltiness from the brew with very little hops.  Not so with this brew.  From the description of this beer, it is quite hoppy.  This is not normal or expected from many Scottish Ales.  A result of increasing world awareness, globalization, and experimentation within traditions?  Maybe.  Either way this beer is actually half the alcohol of their more established beer.  So, the 4% ABV of Red MacGregor  is not the meant to be like, nor do I expect it to be like, Skull Splitter.  The beer may have to be bought warm.  You'll be able to find the beer in a (slightly over) pint bottle.  It cost me $5.99 to pick this one up.  I hope you can drink it with us.