Williams Bros. Fraoch Heather Ale:
This unique gem of an ale is light-bodied but big on flavor. This can sometimes lead to an unbalanced brew that yields unsatisfying results. Fraoch Heather Ale, however, is quite well-balanced and equally impressive in style and accessibility. Fraoch pours neatly into a glass and looks lively as bubbles rise from the bottom. The color remindes me of applie juice and the light, refreshinig flavor and aroma of heather put a really friendly, harmless face on the true purpose of this floral beverage: DRINKING. This could be a serious session ale.
In traditions dating to 2000 B.C. Heather ales have been brewed in Scotland time and again throughout history. Infused with fresh heather flowers just after boiling, Fraoch claims to have a dry, wine-like finish. And it does. Not overly dry and quite a bit lighter than wine in the alcohol department (a comforting 5% abv), Fraoch is mild enough to complement a rich and hearty meal of wild game or seasoned meats. I picture Fraoch as a long-table banquet session beer. After a long day of defending against marauders (or perhaps engaging in a little marauding yourself -- wink, wink, nudge, nudge), nothing says "Freshen Up" like a plate full of haggis and a half gallon of HeatherAle. Actually, maybe a rich shepherd's pie or a pungent lamb stew could benefit from Fraoch's floral touch to lighten the fare and cleanse the palate.
An ale from another era, Fraoch doesn't appear to contain hops. I looooooove hops but I don't feel like this brew is lacking anything at all. Very easy to drink (and a nice alternative to a weakly-hopped ale or a heavily malted bock) when you're not in a particularly hoppy mood. Could be dangerous on tap.
Fraoch Heather Ale:
Representation: .95
Accessibility: .95
Style: .95
Personal Preference: .95
Total Score: 3.8 Flags
This unique gem of an ale is light-bodied but big on flavor. This can sometimes lead to an unbalanced brew that yields unsatisfying results. Fraoch Heather Ale, however, is quite well-balanced and equally impressive in style and accessibility. Fraoch pours neatly into a glass and looks lively as bubbles rise from the bottom. The color remindes me of applie juice and the light, refreshinig flavor and aroma of heather put a really friendly, harmless face on the true purpose of this floral beverage: DRINKING. This could be a serious session ale.
In traditions dating to 2000 B.C. Heather ales have been brewed in Scotland time and again throughout history. Infused with fresh heather flowers just after boiling, Fraoch claims to have a dry, wine-like finish. And it does. Not overly dry and quite a bit lighter than wine in the alcohol department (a comforting 5% abv), Fraoch is mild enough to complement a rich and hearty meal of wild game or seasoned meats. I picture Fraoch as a long-table banquet session beer. After a long day of defending against marauders (or perhaps engaging in a little marauding yourself -- wink, wink, nudge, nudge), nothing says "Freshen Up" like a plate full of haggis and a half gallon of HeatherAle. Actually, maybe a rich shepherd's pie or a pungent lamb stew could benefit from Fraoch's floral touch to lighten the fare and cleanse the palate.
An ale from another era, Fraoch doesn't appear to contain hops. I looooooove hops but I don't feel like this brew is lacking anything at all. Very easy to drink (and a nice alternative to a weakly-hopped ale or a heavily malted bock) when you're not in a particularly hoppy mood. Could be dangerous on tap.
Fraoch Heather Ale:
Representation: .95
Accessibility: .95
Style: .95
Personal Preference: .95
Total Score: 3.8 Flags
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1 comment:
Aye, tasting some of this bonny ale, and wishin' I had a wee firkin under me table, and some bonny friends to share it with. Grand !
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