Long Trail Hibernator

Seems like it's been a while since I had a new beer -- or any beer, really -- so I thought I'd indulge a bit.  Last night, I grabbed another bottle of Long Trail out of my keezer.  This time, I went for the Hibernator:

Vittles:

Scottish Export 80/-

5.8% abv

35 IBUs

Score:

Appearance: 8/10

Aroma: 21/25

Taste: 37/40

Mouthfeel: 8/10

Style: 2/5

Drinkability: 8/10

Overall: 84/100

Impression:

I was expecting a clearer, brighter appearance, since I didn't realize this is an unfiltered beer.  The aroma tips toward the malty side and are grainy, toasty, and bready, with some sweet grassy and caramel flavors mixed in.  The taste is much the same, but it has some added complexity with an earthy bitterness, too.  The medium body is well-suited for the season this beer is available.  What I liked best about this beer is how the flavors change and become better balanced as the beer warms.

I really don't know why Long Trail calls this a Scottish Ale.  I'm not sure how I would classify it, but it hits very few of the characteristics of Scottish Ales.  I kind of think it'd be more appropriate as a winter warmer, but even that's a little iffy for me.  Not that it isn't a tasty beer, but it's not what I was expecting out of a Scottish Ale.

Cheers!