Beer of the week: Fourpenny Ale from Fourpenny House

Beer Name: Fourpenny Ale
Brewery: Fourpenny House
Style: Scottish Ale
ABV: 5.4%

Stroll through the heart of the La Mesa Village and you can venture into a rustic, cozy pub with fireplace, dark woods, plaid cushions and a distinctly northern European vibe. The welcoming Scottish pub, brewery and restaurant is Fourpenny House where owner Peter Soutowood contributes a slice of his heritage to SoCal with a menu and beer list that reflects the best of Scottish food and tipples. Employing the talents of Samantha Olsen, graduate of the master brewer program at UC Davis, the duo bring Scottish ales and a number of craft beer favorites to San Diego County. PACIFIC was recently transported to the Highlands during a chat with Soutowood about the Fourpenny Ale and what to pair with a pint.

PACIFIC: What’s the story behind the Fourpenny name?

PETER SOUTOWOOD: On my last trip to Scotland we were in a little town north of Inverness called Fourpenny. When I got back, I thought it was perfect, and I added house on there. It’s about bringing people into the house, with our kitchen out front and a wood-burning fire and oven.

What was the inspiration for this house ale?

On the last trip (to Scotland), I went to Inveralmond Brewery (in Perth) and they make the thrappledouser, which means “thirst quencher.” You can douse your thrapple! (On the Inveralmond website it states: “We took the Scots’ word for throat and wove it with a term for slaking or dousing your thirst. I suppose a straight translation into English would be thirst quencher.”)

What’s in it?

We use Golden Promise Scottish malt, English hops East Kent Golding Hops and Edinburgh ale yeast.

What can be expected when drinking this beer?

Toasty malts and caramelized roast, mild residual sweetness, and a clean finish. This beer epitomizes Scottish beers. It’s an honest pint, not overly sweet, hoppy or bitter, and not too burned. It tastes like fresh bread.

What is the perfect pairing to go with the Fourpenny Ale?

Our Crofter’s Pie. It’s a rich and savory beef and lamb stew with turnips and potatoes, and topped with cheese. It’s our take on shepherd’s pie.

This beer gal’s take: Smooth, malty and easy drinking, this ale is a perfect for pairing with roasted foods and comforting stews and soups. The Fourpenny Ale is a great crossover beer for newbies venturing from macro beers and those seasoned drinkers needing a break from IPA hop overload.

Where to get it and for how long: The Fourpenny Ale is a core beer on tap at Fourpenny House and is available in a one-liter swing cap and 64-ounce growlers.

Extra juicy tidbit: While at the Fourpenny, don’t miss trying the Northern Czar Baltic Porter (8.5% ABV) a Pink Boots Society collaboration. But get there soon, because it will only be available through the summer. Order it with the Fourpenny Toast, a bread made from spent grain and topped with Kerrygold butter.

8323 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, 619.825.8805, fourpennyhouse.com