Here's to Beer! Silver City Brewery's Fat Woody Scotch Ale

Oak barrel aging is nothing new. Bourbon makers use it, and winemakers have been using it for centuries. Beers are aged in oak too, although its more commonly done in Europe than in America. That is changing however; as American brewers have caught on to the complexities that oak brings to beer. Subtle nuances that are conveyed by new oak, bourbon barrels, or wine barrels, are now being utilized by savvy brewers to bring beers to a new level of flavor.

Consider this entry from Silver City Brewery. The Silverdale operation's Fat Scotch Ale spends a month in its conditioning tank with new oak chips and is transformed into Fat Woody, the oak-aged version. As is typical of a Scotch Ale, there is a profound backbone of malt, with the addition of some peated malt to provide a note of smokiness. This is a nod back to the origins of Scotch Ale, when malt was kilned over peat-fueled fires. The peat is subtle, as not to be overpowering. Likewise, the Fat Woody’s restrained use of oak chips helps it to avoid the pitfall of being over oaked, which can sometimes render cloying flavors. Cascade hops lend a bit of support for the big malt, clocking in at 25 IBUs.

Brew Master Don “Big Daddy” Spencer had this to say of the oak: “This method I have perfected over the last 10 years or so. The new white oak gives the smoothest, most fresh-oak, vanilla character without being too hot and boozy or whiskey barrel-like.”

Tasting Fat Woody, I can perceive the overall effect of the oak combined with the smokiness of peat as providing an outstanding match for a cigar. I would definitely recommend Fat Woody to the cigar lover who would like to enjoy a beer with their smoke. A nice Maduro, a crackling fireplace, and a snifter full of Fat Woody sounds like heaven to me.

But in case cigars aren't your thing, let’s talk food pairings. At 9.2% ABV, this is a big beer that can stand up to some big food. Think steak, lamb or wild game. Grilled or braised meats should be great company for the Fat Woody. As for cheeses, anything that is smoked should go well, such as smoked gouda. Cheddars will also do well with this, as will a big bleu cheese such as stilton.

Find Fat Woody at your local bottle shop, or visit the Silver City Brewery brewpub in Silverdale.