While I am not very knowledgable about Scotch, I do know a bit about beer. I started homebrewing about ten years ago. I guess you can say that I am now somewhat of a beer snob . I hardly ever buy anything from BMC (Bud/Miller/Coors).

Scottish ales are usually classified into two different groupings. These are termed Scottish Ales, and Scotch Ales. This info is from the numerous homebrew guides and beer style guidelines books that I have. I am not sure how these are classifed in Scotland. These two ales are very similar except in alcohol content. These ales are noted for being low in hop bitterness and very malty. Before hops were widely used, heather was used to take the edge from the malty sweetness. I think there is a brewery that does make "heather ale". I do not know the name or location of this brewery.

"Scottish Ales" are usually between 4 to 6% alcohol by volume. A good example is "Bel Haven Scottish Ale" made by Bel Haven Breweries (one of my favorites). There are many American ales brewed in this style. One that I thought was well made was called "Robert the Bruce". I apologize, I forget which brewery makes it.

"Scotch Ales" (aka Wee Heavy) are 7-9 % alcohol by volume. Some may go a bit higher. Most are 8 or 9%. Two of the best examples in my opinion are McEwan's Scotch Ale and Orkney Skullsplitter from Orkney Breweries (my fave). Scotch Ales are generally very malty and sweet without much hop bitterness. The difference in flavor between McEwans and Skullsplitter is pretty wide. Both good ales.

Another brewery of note is Broughton Ales LTD. They make a wide variety of ales. Traqauir House is another ale that is supposed to be one of the best examples. It is hard to find in my area and I have yet to try it.

There are many American breweries that make this style of ale. Some are very good. They even go so far as to treat the water to assimilate the hard water that some of the breweries in Scotland use.

I hope this info will help. Some of my examples may be limited. This is primarily due to availability. This is one ofthe reasons I started brewing at home. Brewing five gallon batches for $30 to $40 beats buying $10 sixpacks all the time . Five gallons = two cases plus or minus a few bottles.