It has been emphasized to the point of redundancy on this site, that beer is more than just a beverage, a thirst quencher, or mood enhancer: It is an experience. At times, this experience invades every part of our lives. We think about beer, we dream about beer, we brew beer. Beer even makes my least favorite activity–shopping–enjoyable. I could spend hours in the beer aisles reading every label. I daresay the history on the back of beer labels in my beer store is more in depth and insightful than my sister’s high school history book. It was the label that drew me in for a purchase as I read the back of the Scottish beer, Fraoch Heather Ale. From the website:
Brewed in Scotland since 2000 B.C. heather ale is probably the oldest style of ale still produced in the world. From an ancient Gaelic recipe for “leann fraoich” (heather ale) it has been revived and reintroduced to the Scottish culture.
Into the boiling bree of malted barley, sweet gale and flowering heather are added, then after cooling slightly the hot ale is poured into a vat of fresh heather flowers where it infuses for an hour before being fermented.
A light amber ale with floral peaty aroma, full malt charachter, a spicy herbal flavour and dry wine like finish.
I believe that the use of Sweet Gale and the Heather Flower is not just for flavor, but also for preservation, as hops don’t (or at least didn’t) grow in Scotland. The Hop addict had better steer clear of this brew if he is looking for a fix! Coming in at a modest 5% ABV, this unique beer, classified as a Scottish Gruit, is a treat.
The Pour:
Pours a crisp golden/orange color with a bright white one finger head that dissipates slowly. There is not much carbonation activity, just a few lazy bubble making their way to the surface. Nothing remarkable going on here.
The Nose:
Since the pour was semi-boring, the beer finds redemption in the aroma. The wafting floral aromas are unavoidable and pleasant. It reminds me of lilac and perfume. There is a thin malt smell that, combined with the herbal/flora odors, produces peach and orange notes.
The Taste:
I was a little nervous to taste this based of strong perfume aroma. Have you ever been around a guy who finds his manhood in the application of half a bottle of Old Spice to his neck and found yourself not just smelling but tasting his cologne? This is what I was afraid of. It was unwarranted. I found the beer to be fairly balanced. The heather flower does indeed impact your senses the second the beer fills your mouth, but is immediately subdued by both the sweet gale, that leaves a sort of pine/green tea flavor, as well as the mildly honey-sweet malt that has a crisp bitter finish.
Be warned: The after taste of this brew is slightly floral, but many, including myself, will enjoy it.
Scottish Beer History:
Nate’s Rating:
Overall Satisfaction: 
Among other Scottish Ale's that I've had: 
