hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Copper John Scotch Ale

Madison River Brewing Company
United States·Scotch Ale
Tap to rate

Named for the Copper John nymph fly pattern — one of the most productive subsurface fly patterns on American trout rivers. Rich, warming and malt-forward with caramel, toffee and a whisper of smoke. A big beer for Big Sky country and the perfect reward after a long day wading the Madison.

ABV
7.2%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter
Malt-forward bitterness
SRM
dark30
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
caramelmaltytoasty
caramel
malty
toasty
smoky
dark fruit
Aroma
Caramel and toffee lead the nose, followed by toasted grain character and a subtle wisp of smoke.
not found:hoppy,roasted,fruity,spicy

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Copper John Scotch Ale

◎ Appearance

Deep copper-bronze hue with solid density and clarity. The head builds and settles into a persistent collar with good lacing retention down the glass. Moderate carbonation creates a gentle effervescence beneath the surface.

deep copperpersistent headclearmoderate carbonation

◌ Aroma

Caramel and toffee lead the nose, followed by toasted grain character and a subtle wisp of smoke. Underlying malt richness provides warmth without aggressive alcohol vapors. The profile is rounded and inviting, characteristic of well-crafted Scottish ale yeast work.

caramel, toffeetoasted grainsubtle smokemalt-forward

◐ Taste

Entry is full and sweet, with immediate caramel and toffee development across the mid-palate. Toasted, slightly smoky notes integrate naturally with the malt body. Bitterness remains restrained at 20 IBU, allowing the malt sweetness to dominate without cloying; alcohol warmth emerges in the mid-palate without harsh edges.

caramel-toffeefull-bodiedlow bitternesswarming alcohol

◑ Finish

The finish is smooth and sustained, with caramel sweetness lingering into a soft, malty aftertaste. Warmth persists gently, making this a contemplative closer after outdoor exertion.

smooth fademalty aftertastelingering warmth
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
84
Taste
83
Appearance
80
Finish
81
Serve at 12–16°C

Serve at 12–16°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Copper John Scotch Ale

More from Madison River Brewing Company

Hopper Pale Ale
Hopper Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
5.5%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Salmon Fly Honey Rye

About Scotch Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Scotch Ale?

Scotch Ale is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Scotch Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same caramel, malty, rich character as Copper John Scotch Ale will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →