It was an early Saturday afternoon, and I was seeking a quick refresher. I decided to put Godwin's slogan to the test with my first visit since its opening. My intention was very specific. With my surname being Dunbar, nothing but Scottish was going to be my preference, particularly an ale. Scanning the list, a Belhaven Ale from Scotland caught my attention--choice made.
The bartender cracked the tall can and carefully poured its contents into the glass. I waited for the deep copper colored brew to settle, and after a long minute, took a generous sip. It was exactly the way the print on the can described it to be, rich-nutty-smoooooooth.
After doing a search, I learned Belhaven Brewery is located in the picturesque area of East Lothian. To my surprise, its location is in the area of Scotland named after my family, nestled amongst the rolling barley fields of Dunbar, just 20 miles from Edinburgh. Established in 1719, it is also near a monastery site dating back to 1150 AD.
Belhaven's Scottish Ale has been announced as the Gold Winner at the Monde Selection 2022 Awards and given the bronze award at the World Beer Awards 2022. It is brewed using malted barley and fresh spring water from a local source together with Belhaven's own unique yeast.
Godwin's Beer Hall's decor blends very nicely with its English influenced story and its beers from around the world theme with maps, globes, and shelves stacked with European literature. On your next visit, put Scotland's Belhaven Ale to the taste test. In my confident estimation, you will be beerfully gratified. Its warm copper color and very smooth nutty taste will refresh you.
