Wee Little! Scottish Light Ale: A Small Beer with a Big Legacy
At Hiker Brewing Co., our journey has been marked by bold choices and unexpected successes. One of our most cherished stories is that of our Scottish Light Ale, affectionately named Wee Little! This mid-strength beer, boasting an ABV of 3.5%, holds a special place in our hearts and our brewhouse history.
The Birth of Wee Little!
Wee Little! was the first beer brewed to commission our brewhouse. When we embarked on this adventure, we chose a not-so-common style with a small malt bill. The reasoning was simple: if the commissioning process didn’t go as planned, the losses would be minimal. Little did we know, this cautious choice would lead to a remarkable beer that would become a staple in our lineup.
From One-Off to Core Range
Initially intended as a one-off brew, Wee Little! quickly garnered attention from fellow brewers who were impressed by its flavor profile. Despite its sessionable nature, the beer was praised for its full-bodied taste and complexity. Encouraged by this feedback, we decided to enter Wee Little! into the Royal Queensland Beer Awards in 2023, where it was awarded gold. The response from our customers was equally enthusiastic, leading us to make Wee Little! a permanent fixture in our core range.
Award-Winning Excellence
The accolades didn’t stop there. Wee Little! continued to impress judges and beer lovers alike. In 2023, it clinched another gold medal at the Indies, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier session ale. The following year, 2024, saw Wee Little! achieve an extraordinary feat at the Royal Queensland Beer Awards, earning two gold medals for both draught and packaged versions. This remarkable success contributed significantly to Hiker Brewing Co. being named Best New Brewery and Champion Brewpub.
Our beloved Wee Little! also made its mark on the international stage. At the Australian International Beer Awards, it was once again awarded gold, affirming its status as a world-class beer. Most recently, at the 2024 Indies award presentation, Wee Little! continued its winning streak, adding another gold medal to its impressive collection.
A Global Journey
In addition to its success at home, Wee Little! also had an exciting international adventure. Our good mate Hendo took Wee Little! to Korea for the Korean International Beer Awards, where it proudly brought home a bronze medal. This achievement highlighted Wee Little!’s universal appeal and its ability to impress beer enthusiasts around the world.
A Bright Future
What began as a cautious experiment has blossomed into an award-winning beer with a loyal following. Wee Little! embodies the spirit of Hiker Brewing Co.—bold, flavourful, and always exceeding expectations. As we look to the future, we are excited to see how Wee Little! will continue to delight beer enthusiasts and represent the quality and creativity of Hiker Brewing Co.
So why not #takeahike to either our Salisbury or East Brisbane taprooms and enjoy the beer that keeps on giving us so much joy! If you can’t get to either taproom, you can order on-line
Wee Little – Scottish Light Ale – 3.5% (440ml Cans)
Wee Little is a mid-strength beer, but not as you know it. Think of it as a sessionable version of a Scotch Ale. Light on the palate with a dry finish, but packed full of sweet caramel malt flavour.