The Historic Meaning Behind the Number '80'
The number '80' in a beer's name almost always points to a traditional Scottish ale style known as "80 Shilling," or Eighty Shilling. This name isn't about the beer's strength or a brand's age, but rather a throwback to a historical Scottish tax system. During the 17th and 18th centuries, beers were taxed based on their price per barrel, with 80 shillings denoting a stronger, more robust, and more heavily taxed brew compared to lighter styles like 60/- or 70/-. This classification system created distinct categories of Scottish ales, with 80 Shilling—often called Scottish Export Ale—being a well-respected and flavorful variety.
Origins in Scottish Brewing
The 80 Shilling style evolved in a colder climate, a factor that influenced the brewing process and ingredient selection. Historically, these ales were fermented at higher temperatures using specific yeast strains to produce characteristic malt flavors and fruity esters. The use of pale and roasted malts resulted in a beer with a deep amber or copper hue and a satisfying, malty sweetness. Today, breweries continue to honor this tradition by recreating the style's distinctive profile, providing a taste of Scotland's rich brewing heritage to modern drinkers.
Key Characteristics of an 80 Shilling Ale
So, what does an 80 Shilling ale actually taste like? It is an incredibly balanced beer, designed for a smooth, warming, and flavorful experience.
- Appearance: Deep copper to auburn, often with a creamy, light-bronze head.
- Aroma: Notes of rich malt, toffee, dried fruit, and a subtle caramel sweetness.
- Flavor Profile: The taste follows the aroma, with a pronounced malt character that provides layers of soft fruit and a toffee-like finish. There's a slight bitterness from the hops to balance the malt sweetness, but it is not a hop-forward beer.
- Mouthfeel: Full-bodied and smooth, with a creamy texture that is a hallmark of the style.
- ABV: Typically falls within the 4.1% to 5.3% range, though variations exist.
This flavor combination makes 80 Shilling a versatile beer, perfect for sipping slowly to appreciate its complex character. It pairs well with rich, savory dishes like roasted meats, stews, and aged cheeses.
Modern Breweries and the 80 Shilling Tradition
While the 80 Shilling designation is historical, many modern breweries, both in Scotland and worldwide, continue to produce excellent examples of the style.
- Belhaven Brewery: Famous for its Belhaven 80 Shilling, known for its deep copper color and layers of soft fruit and toffee notes.
- Stewart Brewing: Offers a classic 80/-, a full-bodied ale with rich malt and dried fruit notes.
- Druthers Brewing Company: Produces a Scottish-style 80 Shilling ale, showcasing the malty caramel notes typical of the style.
- Rebel Brewery: Names its Scottish-style ale 'Eighty Shilling,' referencing the historic tax and offering a roasted malt flavor.
Each brewery puts its own spin on the traditional recipe, but all aim to capture the essence of the historic Scottish Export Ale. Many smaller craft breweries also create their own interpretations, often labeling them as 'Scottish Export' or '80 Shilling' to indicate the style.
Clarifying Potential Confusion: Strongbow Ultra and Other Numerical Naming
It's important to distinguish the traditional 80 Shilling ale from other products that might use the number '80.' The most common point of confusion comes from cider brands, not beers.
Comparison Table: 80 Shilling vs. Other Products
| Feature | 80 Shilling Ale | Strongbow Ultra | 80/- Ale Tax | Other Numerical Beer Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beverage Type | Ale | Cider | Historical Tax System | Can vary (e.g., strength) |
| Origin | Traditional Scottish Ale | Strongbow Cider Product | 17th/18th Century Scotland | Depends on the brewery |
| Meaning of '80' | Tax category for stronger ale | 80 calories per can | Price per barrel in shillings | Can refer to ABV, year, etc. |
| Flavor | Rich, malty, toffee, dried fruit | Crisp, natural apple flavors | N/A | Varies wildly by beer |
| Source of Confusion | Mistaken for other numerical products | Its '80 calorie' feature | Misunderstanding the historical context | Numerical names are common but mean different things |
Strongbow's Ultra Apple cider is specifically marketed as containing 80 calories per slimline can, a fact that can cause confusion for those searching for a beer named '80'. Similarly, some craft breweries might use numbers in their names for entirely different reasons, such as representing a recipe number, an ABV percentage, or a significant year in the brewery's history. When encountering a numerical name on a beer, it's always best to check the product description to understand the specific meaning.
The Lingering Legacy of '80'
Though the tax system that gave the 80 Shilling ale its name is long gone, the legacy of '80' in brewing persists as a tribute to tradition. It serves as a reminder of a time when beer was categorized by its value, with the higher numbers indicating a more robust and cherished brew. The continued production of 80 Shilling ales by both established and craft breweries shows a deep respect for this heritage. Modern drinkers who seek out these ales are not just enjoying a tasty beer; they are also partaking in a long and storied history of Scottish brewing, savoring a flavor profile that has been perfected over centuries. The next time you see a beer with '80' on the label, you'll know it's not just a number, but a taste of history.
Conclusion
The phrase "What beer is 80?" is not a reference to a specific brand or an ABV but rather to the historical and flavorful Scottish Export Ale, or '80 Shilling'. This traditional style, with its characteristic malty richness and creamy texture, originated from an old Scottish tax system that categorized beers by price per barrel. Today, breweries like Belhaven and Stewart Brewing continue to produce excellent examples of this classic ale, preserving a significant piece of brewing history. While modern products like Strongbow's 80-calorie cider can cause confusion, the distinct history and profile of the 80 Shilling ale make it a unique and cherished style in its own right. The answer to the question is a tribute to Scotland's rich and enduring brewing traditions.
