Great Devide Claymore 6Pk

Great Divide Claymore Scotch Ale 6-Pack is a robust Scotch Ale (Wee Heavy) brewed in Denver, Colorado, at 7.7% ABV in a six-pack of 12 oz containers. Named after the iconic Scottish two-handed sword, Claymore stands out for its deep malt complexity and restrained hop profile, earning a 3.8 out of 5 rating on Untappd across more than 52,000 user reviews.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7.7%  |  Origin: Denver, Colorado  |  Style: Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy  |  IBU: 18–21  |  Brewery: Great Divide Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Great Divide Brewing Company was founded in 1994 by Brian Dunn in Denver, Colorado, and has grown into one of the most respected craft breweries in the American West. Claymore follows the Scottish Wee Heavy tradition — a style built on enormous malt bills and minimal hop bitterness, yielding a rich, full-bodied ale. At 7.7% ABV with a modest 18–21 IBU range, the beer leans entirely on its grain character and fermentation profile rather than hop-forward flavors, placing it squarely in the malt-driven category that defines the Scotch Ale style.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Butterscotch and caramel sweetness arrive first, followed by layers of smoky, almost peaty malt. Beneath that initial wave, subtle dark fruit and light toffee notes add complexity.

Taste: The entry is lush with caramel and toffee-soaked malt, giving way to prominent dark fruit at mid-palate — think chocolate-covered cherries and dried plum. A restrained smokiness weaves through the sweetness, and hops remain almost entirely in the background, allowing the malt's full spectrum to dominate.

Finish: Medium-long with a gentle warming character befitting its 7.7% strength. Lingering notes of butterscotch, light smoke, and baked dark fruit taper gradually without turning cloying.

How to Drink Claymore

Claymore is best served at cellar temperature, around 50–55°F, in a tulip glass or Scottish thistle glass to concentrate its aromatic complexity. Pouring too cold will mute the caramel and dark fruit layers that define this Wee Heavy. For cocktail-curious drinkers: a Beer Flip works beautifully here, as Claymore's malty richness blends seamlessly with a whole egg and simple syrup for a dessert-like treat. A Boilermaker paired with a peated Scotch whisky amplifies the shared smoky DNA of both beverages. A Shandy variation using ginger beer and a squeeze of lemon can lighten Claymore into a surprisingly refreshing long drink.

Best For

• Cold-weather drinking sessions when you want malt-forward warmth
• Gifting to a craft beer enthusiast who gravitates toward Scottish and British styles
• Pairing with a hearty dinner of roasted or braised meats
• Introducing hop-averse drinkers to bold, complex craft beer

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Claymore taste like? Claymore delivers a rich, malt-driven flavor profile dominated by caramel, toffee, dark fruit, and subtle smoke, with virtually no hop bitterness. It drinks full-bodied and slightly sweet with a gentle warming finish.

How does Claymore compare to Belhaven Scottish Ale? Both are well-regarded Scotch Ales, but Claymore at 7.7% ABV runs considerably stronger than Belhaven's flagship offerings and leans heavier into smoky, dark fruit complexity. Belhaven tends toward a lighter, more sessionable expression of the style with a drier finish.

Is Claymore good for sipping neat? Absolutely — Claymore is designed as a contemplative, sipping-style ale best enjoyed slowly at cellar temperature to appreciate its layered malt character. Its low bitterness and full body make it approachable for those who typically avoid hoppy craft beers.

Where is Claymore made? Claymore is brewed by Great Divide Brewing Company in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 1994, Great Divide operates from its original Denver location and has built a national reputation for bold, high-gravity ales.

What foods pair well with Claymore? Braised short ribs complement the beer's caramel-smoke backbone. Aged cheddar or Gruyère mirrors its rich maltiness. Sticky toffee pudding echoes the butterscotch and dark fruit notes directly. Smoked salmon draws out the ale's peaty undertone. Roasted root vegetables with brown butter match its earthy sweetness.

What sizes does Claymore come in? This listing is a six-pack of 12 oz units, which is the standard retail format for Great Divide Claymore Scotch Ale.

Is Claymore worth the price? Claymore positions as a mid-range craft six-pack with above-average ABV and genuine style authenticity, making it a strong value within the Scotch Ale category. Its complexity and body rival many single-bottle specialty releases at higher price points.

Why Claymore?

Scotch Ales with real depth are surprisingly rare in the American craft landscape, and Claymore has endured as one of the most reliable domestic examples since Great Divide introduced it. With more than 52,000 Untappd ratings and a steady 3.8 out of 5 score, it has proven its consistency over time rather than riding the hype cycle of limited releases. The 7.7% ABV delivers Wee Heavy weight without tipping into barleywine territory, striking a balance that makes it drinkable across an entire evening. For anyone seeking a malt-first beer with genuine complexity — dark fruit, smoke, butterscotch, and toffee in a single glass — Claymore earns its place in the style.