Sprecher Piper's Scotch Style Ale (4 pk.)

Item Purchased: Sprecher Piper's Scotch Style Ale (4 pk.)
Location Purchased: Viking Village Liquor / 1625 E. Main St. / Reedsburg, WI
Price: $5.99 + tax

Review: Another one bites the dust. Another beautiful 4-pack of Sprecher beer that I brought back from my trip to Wisconsin last month. I've been rationing myself harshly in order to prolong my enjoyment/cravings for my favorite beer. It is with a hung head and sorrowful demeanor that I toss this last bottle into the metaphorical ocean of beerlessness.

Sprecher's Scotch Ale (which was chosen as Chicagoist's beer of the week back in September) is a spicy and complex beer that almost breaks the cardinal rule of balance that I so love in Sprecher's brews. From the initial kick (that is close to the finishing effect of actual Scotch) to the earthy spiced flavor that leaves your palette clean like a hot peppermint tea does, this beer is a hard one to wrap your head around. At 8.3 percent alcohol, this is a sipping beer that goes well with heavier food. There are traces of fruity flavor and bold lines of malt/hops balance that pop. Though similar to Goose Island's Pere Jacques, this ale is not as sweet and is a must for any devout beer lovers who are sick of the standard flavors you get while bar-hopping. I may not miss Milwaukee much, but there will always be Sprecher to bring me back... Even if it is only for a quick pop into a liquor store.

Rating: 4.5 / 5