I thought that the Shilling Scale for the rating of Scotch Ales was based on how much you had to pay for a pint. the Higher the alcohol the more you have to pay, assuming 10 shillings per ABV (70 shilling= 7abv etc.)
But after doing some research it was how much they had to pay per barrel of beer. in 1488 the first recorded sale of scotch ale went for 12 schillings/bbl. Plus there is a difference between Scottish and Scotch ales. Scottish ales called 60 (light), 70 (heavy), or 80 (export) shilling are in the range of 2.5 percent to 5.0 percent ABV. Scotch ale, or wee heavy, starts at 90 shilling and usually measures at least 6.5 percent ABV, with an original gravity of about 1.070. Some historical Scotch ales might be as high as 140 shilling, with a starting gravity of 1.125, although the scale has slid downward some over the last 150 years. Today's 80 shilling might be equivalent to a 60 shilling of 1850.
This information was taken from the following website if you want to read up on it fully.
http://www.allaboutbeer.com/style/24.5-scotchale.html
Our Scotch Ale is 8-9% abv so we are calling it 80 Shilling this year. Looking over the history maybe if should be more of a 120 Shilling but hey we are in America not Scotland.
Cheers,
Tyler
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Thanks, I've wondered if there's a difference between "Scotch ale" and "Scottish ale". I hope some brewers aren't sloppy with their designations; that would cause some confusion...
ReplyDeleteBy the way: Why isn't your GABF silver medal on display somewhere?
;-)
Thanks for clearing that up, Tyler. Now, I can look forward to discussing the Scottish Ales and shilling scales with confidence in the future...but more so looking forward to getting my hands on some of your modest 80 shilling brew. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting - thanks! I spent some time in Edinburgh as a student and never bothered to wonder why my favorite ale, Caledonian 80 Shilling, was called that.
ReplyDeleteI'll be sure to check out your 80/- soon!