Newcastle Rolls Out Limited-edition Scotch Ale

In celebration of Europe's finest and oldest breweries, Newcastle Brown Ale has kicked off its series of "collaboration edition" beers, beginning with a limited-time Scotch Ale.

The new offering is the result of Newcastle's partnership with its Edinburgh, Scotland-based sister brewery, Caledonian, and comprises a rich, full-flavored ale with toffee notes at 6.4 percent ABV and 40 IBUs.

“Newcastle Scotch Ale is a well-balanced, malt-forward brew with a delightful velvety finish,” said actor, blogger and beer aficionado Wil Wheaton, who will star in a pair of videos designed to make beer connoisseurship more accessible to the mainstream. “Basically, Newcastle and Caledonian made a kick-ass beer that does not suck.”

“One of our dreams is to get rid of the ‘intimidation’ factor that prevents so many people from foregoing boring ‘yellow beer’ and enjoying more interesting brews,” said Brett Steen, brand manager for Newcastle Brown Ale, a brand of White Plains, N.Y.-based Heineken USA.

Scotch Ale will be available beginning this month through February 2015, in 6- and 12-packs in retailers nationwide and on draught in select markets.

The Newcastle Collaboration Series will continue to roll out throughout 2015.