Beer 300 - Strathaven Claverhouse Red Ale (4 stars out of 5)

For beer number 300 I chose a beer to remind me of our trip to the UK earlier this spring.  Unfortunately the remaining beers are becoming fewer and fewer in number as we were only able to carry 16 in our suitcases, so it was very nice to find a Strathaven Ale amongst the unopened bottles in the pantry.

Strathaven Ale is brewed in Strathaven, Scotland in a delightful tiny brewery on the banks of the river Avon about 3 miles south of town. Care and pride is taken in the brewing and the resultant beers are generally excellent.  This particular bottle was bought by Andy, my brother, at the brewery since the local supermarkets in Strathaven do not yet sell this excellent beer.  It was drunk at home in Katy, TX while preparing dinner and talking to Patricia about our plans for this long Easter weekend.

the web site: http://www.strathavenales.co.uk/

The web site says; "Claverhouse is A strong red ale brewed with a blend of Scottish Crystal and red malted barley with American Oregon hops that give it a hint of citrus.

John Graham of Claverhouse was a pivotal figure during the covenanting period whose strong leadership endeared him to his followers who christened him "Bonnie Dundee".To his enemies however, he was darkly referred to as "Bluidy Clavers".

He was soundly beaten in 1679 at the battle of Drumclog near Strathaven by a covenanting force who stood their ground. His revenge was not long in coming after this event with the rout of a large Covenanter force at the Battle of Bothwell Bridge.

Following the glorious revolution of 1688 he took to the field in support of the Stuart cause. Despite his army winning the day at the battle of Killiecrankie he himself was slain and the revolt came to nothing with his leadership lost. 4.5% ABV"

A delightful beer, full of taste when drunk at room temperature.  Nice mouth-feel in the first taste, excellent follow through with good body and a very pleasant aftertaste.  Wish this was available in the US.