"Scotch Ale. A brown beer rather resembling Burton. In the London pubs the term almost invariably stands for Youngers Scotch Ale, in bottle or on draught, which is a genuine Scottish brew. As this is a very popular drink it is often found in free houses, where it usually replaces a Burton, though there are a few pubs that sell both. Younger's Scotch Ale is their No.3. Their No.1 is a really strong brew."
"The Younger Centuries", by David Keir, 1951, page 88.
So that explains what No.3 was: a Burton-like Strong Ale. I drank the stuff many times and always wondered what the hell type of beer it was. I seem to remember it occasionally being called a "dark Bitter", whatever that means.
Here are some details of Younger's Scotch Ales:
That's me about done with Scotch Ale. For the time being, at least. I wonder what will attract my attention next?
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6 comments:
Interesting change in attenuation. I wonder if their yeast strain had changed.
With the sad demise of Younger's No 3, the only remaining beers in this style are McEwan's Champion, a fine bottled beer available in many UK supermarkets, and brews such as Gordon's Scotch Ale, sold in Belgium.
I used to drink Number 3 in the Union Bar, many years ago. Stewart Brewing Co in Edinburgh are doing a Number 3 now and I had a pint the other week - brought back a few memories.
In London in the late 1960s and early 1970s, you could get Younger's No. 3 at a bar by the most westerly platform on Kings Cross station. Most of the drinkers in there were station staff. It was an excellent way to begin a journey North.
Fatman, good to know No.3 is still alive, even if only in a small way. It was easily my favourite S & N beer.
Zythophile, I quite like Younger's Champion. I usually pick up a couple of bottles at the Tesco's opposite Liverpool Street Station before I get on the train to Stanstead. Has there ever been a cask version?
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