Newcastle introduces Scotch Ale, first in “collaboration editions” series

Most Brits know a thing or two about improving through collaboration, and Newcastle Brown Ale is no different. To keep beer discovery fresh and invigorating, Newcastle is kicking off the brand-new series of “collaboration edition” beers made with some of Europe’s finest and oldest breweries.

To brew the first offering in the series, Newcastle turned to its Edinburgh, Scotland-based sister brewery, Caledonian, to develop a special ale that brings world-class traditional British brewing to casual beer drinkers around the world. The Newcastle Scotch Ale collaboration is a limited-time offering from Newcastle and Caledonian that represents the best of English and Scottish brewing: a rich, full-flavored and fulfilling Scottish ale with toffee notes at 6.4% ABV and 40 IBUs, say company officials. “Newcastle Scotch Ale is a well-balanced, malt-forward brew with a delightful velvety finish,” says actor, blogger and beer aficionado Wil Wheaton. “Basically, Newcastle and Caledonian made a kick-ass beer that does not suck.” Wheaton will star in a pair of videos aimed at making beer connoisseurship accessible and fun for drinks lovers of all stripes. “One of our dreams is to get rid of the ‘intimidation’ factor that prevents so many people from foregoing boring ‘yellow beer’ and enjoying more interesting brews,” says Brett Steen, brand manager for Newcastle Brown Ale. “Wil is an inviting and knowledgeable guy, and we’re stoked that he’s taking this herculean effort of humor and wisdom onto himself so we don’t have to.” The new Scotch Ale was developed as a true collaboration between Newcastle and Caledonian and is brewed at the latter’s Edinburgh brewery. The Caledonian Brewery uses only traditional British brewing methods, including using only whole-flower hops and heating the original 1869 copper kettles with open flames, company officials add. The Newcastle Collaboration Series will roll out throughout 2015 and include new beers made in partnership with some of Europe’s oldest breweries. Scotch Ale will be available beginning mid November 2014 through February 2015. The brew will be available nationally in 6- and 12-packs and on draught in select markets.