heather beer

[frasertheking]

hi

i was wondering if any of you have brewed or know of a recipe using heather flowers ? i have always wanted to try it

thanks in advanced
fraser

 

[Chriso]

Here are a few links to start you out:

http://www.gruitale.com/bot_heather.htm
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=34029
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=43299 see post 12

In short, though, It seems as if most people who try heather ales use a Scottish ale as a base. Doesn't mean that's your only route. Perhaps use some heather and some hops in a standard english bitter?

 

[david_42]

Had a "one cone" heather beer last night at a club meeting. Good stuff. Didn't get the recipe (although it was a Scottish ale), beyond using ONE cone/flower of hops.

 

[CBBaron]

BYO has a heather ale recipe on their website.
A commercial brand from Scotland that is sometimes available in US stores, Froach. I found Froach to be a nice malty Scottish ale with some floral aromas and flavors. Not nearly as different as I would expect.

I am planning on making something similar to the BYO recipe this winter using mugwort, sweet gale, and heather. Since the information on gruits is somewhat limited I plan on splitting a batch and doing a couple experiments with quantities.

Craig