Beer Review

Big Beef Beer Review
By Greg

Beer. Where do you come from? Where do you go? Actually I know where beer goes. In the words of Fat Bastard, "get in my belly." The best place for beer. Fat Bastard, I'm sure couldn't tell me where beer comes from though. Normally, I don't care, but I chanced to come across a beer that has been brewed since 2000 B.C.
    Fraoch Heather Ale has a history as rich as its flavor. Legend has it that an ancient Greek explorer, Phytheas, gave it to the Picts, who in turn shared it with the Scots when Scotland was united in 843 A.D. Actually, there are several legends, at least one immortalized by Robert Louis Stevenson, of Scots torturing Picts to get the recipe. This must be one damn good beer!
    Heather Ale is delicious. I don't know if I'd kill for it, but I'll go out of my way to have it again. Its very smooth, flavorful, and has no aftertaste. I guessed that it is probably served at room temperature, but I tried one chilled anyway. You don't want to do that. It tastes much better at room temperature. I was very surprised, but this isn't the kind of beer you want to drink after mowing the lawn.
    Heather Ale is the kind of beer you want to enjoy with an old friend. I imagine just sitting there, reminiscing silently while drinking this fine ale. I'll have a big "cat who ate the canary" grin, remembering where I've been, while proud of where I am now, and even prouder of where I'm going. That's how this beer makes me feel. It's music to my beers.
    Unlike Fat Bastard, Heather Ale is an export that should make Scotland proud. Make an effort to find this beer. You'll be glad you did. If you just can't get enough, the home-brew recipe is available at their website. Be sure to check it out (the link is available at the bottom of this page).

Ranking :out of 5 BB&B's.

Price: I paid $3.95 a pint U.S. (both dollars and pints)

Availability: Probably available only at specialty beer, wine, and liquor stores.

URL: http://www.heatherale.co.uk -- Go there. Read the folklore, get the recipe.

Home | Rankings | Review