Matsumoto Brewery Announces Savory Ale "OLD SHILLING Scottish Heavy"
On February 28, 2026, Matsumoto Brewery (Nagano) announced its new "OLD SHILLING Scottish Heavy" on Instagram. Built in the style of Scotland’s traditional “70 Shilling,” it is designed around malt richness, aiming for a balance between lightness and drinkability.
Hop BroMatsumoto Brewery dropped a new release on February 28, 2026: "OLD SHILLING Scottish Heavy"! Even the name feels classy and serious.
MugiWhoa! That name sounds cool! What kind of beer is it?
Hop BroIt's a Scottish Heavy, designed in the vein of the traditional 70 Shilling styles, with malt taking center stage. The core flavors are the soft sweetness of caramel, biscuit-like aroma, and a subtle toasty note.
MugiWhat is that! Is "70 Shilling" about money? Is it easy on the wallet?
Hop BroThat's the kind of thing you'd ask. It's an old Scottish naming convention that indicates a traditional strength range. This one is aimed at a balance that's neither too heavy nor too light, so it's the kind of beer you can keep drinking every day.
MugiHuh! So how should I read the specs ABV 3.5%, IBU 17, SRM 19, and OG 9.8? Are they spells?
Hop BroNot spells. At 3.5% ABV it's light and easygoing, IBU 17 keeps bitterness restrained, SRM 19 means a slightly deep amber to brown color, and OG 9.8 means it still has proper malt richness. And the clever part is that Fuggle hops are used only in the boil, so the bitterness supports the beer gently.
MugiWhoa, so it's not aggressively bitter, but more of a slow-building savory beer! It sounds amazing with food!
Hop BroExactly. Like the 10th anniversary Irish Red Ale, it carries on the idea of an "everyday beer enjoyed in pubs," and what feels so Matsumoto Brewery is how it reinterprets the classic style on a base of Northern Alps water and local ingredients.
MugiIt's decided then! Tonight we'll toast with OLD SHILLING Scottish Heavy! Hop bro, I'm already in biscuit mode and craving a drink!
Hop BroThat's the best. Then let's have the first glass as is, and the second with dinner. Just thinking about it is making my throat twitch!
In a post published by Matsumoto Brewery at 12:05 on February 28, details of the new "OLD SHILLING Scottish Heavy (Old Shilling Scottish Heavy)" were revealed. The description says it is a beer that directly expresses the savory depth of malt, following the traditional Scottish "70 Shilling" style.
The flavor keywords highlighted in the post were the gentle sweetness of caramel, a biscuit-like aroma, and a subtle toasted note. Fuggle hops are used only in the boil, so the bitterness does not assert itself too strongly and instead supports the beer softly throughout. The message that it aims to be a beer that is neither too heavy nor too light, and one that fits into everyday life, was also striking.
Like the Irish Red Ale released for the brewery’s 10th anniversary, this beer is positioned as part of the lineage of “everyday beers loved in pubs.” With a recipe that prioritizes balance and drinkability over flashiness, it also seems promising as a beer that pairs well with food.
Published Specs
- Style: Scottish Heavy
- ABV: 3.5%
- IBU: 17
- SRM: 19
- OG: 9.8
- Malt/Grain: Maris Otter, Munich II, Crystal T50, Victory, Chocolate Malt, Crystal Dark
- Hops: Fuggle
- Yeast: Wyeast 1084 Irish Ale
Matsumoto Brewery states on its official site that it is committed to brewing beer using water from the Northern Alps and locally sourced ingredients. Grounded in local character, the brewery’s careful reinterpretation of classic overseas styles, as seen here, is one of its attractions. For drinkers looking for a quiet, layered malt-driven beer, this looks like a release worth watching.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroMatsumoto Brewery dropped a new release on February 28, 2026: "OLD SHILLING Scottish Heavy"! Even the name feels classy and serious.
MugiWhoa! That name sounds cool! What kind of beer is it?
Hop BroIt's a Scottish Heavy, designed in the vein of the traditional 70 Shilling styles, with malt taking center stage. The core flavors are the soft sweetness of caramel, biscuit-like aroma, and a subtle toasty note.
MugiWhat is that! Is "70 Shilling" about money? Is it easy on the wallet?
Hop BroThat's the kind of thing you'd ask. It's an old Scottish naming convention that indicates a traditional strength range. This one is aimed at a balance that's neither too heavy nor too light, so it's the kind of beer you can keep drinking every day.
MugiHuh! So how should I read the specs ABV 3.5%, IBU 17, SRM 19, and OG 9.8? Are they spells?
Hop BroNot spells. At 3.5% ABV it's light and easygoing, IBU 17 keeps bitterness restrained, SRM 19 means a slightly deep amber to brown color, and OG 9.8 means it still has proper malt richness. And the clever part is that Fuggle hops are used only in the boil, so the bitterness supports the beer gently.
MugiWhoa, so it's not aggressively bitter, but more of a slow-building savory beer! It sounds amazing with food!
Hop BroExactly. Like the 10th anniversary Irish Red Ale, it carries on the idea of an "everyday beer enjoyed in pubs," and what feels so Matsumoto Brewery is how it reinterprets the classic style on a base of Northern Alps water and local ingredients.
MugiIt's decided then! Tonight we'll toast with OLD SHILLING Scottish Heavy! Hop bro, I'm already in biscuit mode and craving a drink!
Hop BroThat's the best. Then let's have the first glass as is, and the second with dinner. Just thinking about it is making my throat twitch!
