Heather Ale Recipe

Heather Ale recipe, also known as Fraoch, is a traditional Scottish beer that dates back to 2000 BCE. This unique beer is made with fresh heather tips, which give it a herbal, grassy aroma and a slightly spicy finish. If you’re looking for a new brewing challenge or want to experience a taste of ancient Scottish culture, this Heather Ale recipe is for you.

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Heather Ale

Traditionally known as "Fraoch", heather ale has been brewed in Scotland since 2000BCE. It is a lovely golden ale with a herbal, grassy aroma and slightly spicy finish.

Prep Time1 hour hr

Cook Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

TO FERMENT28 days d

Total Time28 days d 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course: Beer

Cuisine: Larger

Keyword: HEATHER ALE

Servings: 40 pints

Calories: 210kcal

Author: Dan Smullen

Equipment

• 1 Large brew pot or kettle
• 1 Fermenting vessel such as a carboy or fermenting bucket
• 1 Airlock
• 1 Siphon
• 1 Bottles or a keg for storing the finished beer
• 1 Thermometer
• 1 Strainer or colander
• 1 Hydrometer
• 1 Measuring cups and spoons
• 1 Heat source such as a stove or propane burner
• 1 Cleaning and sanitizing solution
• 1 Funnel
• 1 Racking cane
• 1 Bottle filler
• 1 Bottle capper (if using bottles)
• 1 Kegging system (if using a keg)

Ingredients

For the Mash – Liquor 12.7 Litres (22 1/3 Pints) – Mash Time 1 hr – Temperature 65°C (149°F)

• 9 lb Pale malt Quantity 4.34 kg
• 1 lb Caramalt Quantity 500 g
• 7 oz Crystal wheat malt Quantity 200 g

For the Boil – 27 Litres (47 1/2 Pints) – Boil Time 1 hr – 15 mins

• 1 1/2 oz (Hops) Golding 5.5% When to add – At start of boil (IBU 2.5)
• 2/3 oz (Hops) Golding 5.5% When to add – At turn off (0.0)
• 2 1/2 oz Fresh heather tips Other – When to add – At start of boil
• 1 tsp Protofloc Other -When to add- For last 15 mins of boil
• 2 1/2 oz Fresh heather tips Other – When to add – At turn off

To Ferment – 18°C (64°F) – Conditioning 4 weeks at 12°C (54°F)

• 1 White Labs WLP028 Edinburgh Ale Yeast

Instructions

• Heat 12.7 liters of water to 65°C (149°F) in your brew pot or kettle.
• Add the Pale malt, Caramalt, and Crystal wheat malt to the water and stir well. Maintain the temperature at 65°C (149°F) for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
• After 1 hour, remove the grains by straining the mixture through a colander or mesh strainer.
• Add the Golding hops and 2.5 oz of heather tips to the mixture and bring it to a boil for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
• In the last 15 minutes of the boil, add Protofloc and the remaining 2.5 oz of heather tips.
• Turn off the heat and add the remaining 2/3 oz of Golding hops. Allow the mixture to cool to 18°C (64°F).
• Transfer the cooled mixture to a fermenting vessel and add the White Labs WLP028 Edinburgh Ale Yeast.
• Place an airlock on the fermenting vessel and allow the mixture to ferment for 4 weeks at 12°C (54°F).
• After 4 weeks, transfer the beer to a siphon and then to bottles or a keg for storage.
• Let the beer age for a few weeks in the bottles or keg to allow the flavors to develop.
• Chill and enjoy your homemade Heather Ale!

Unique Flavor Profile

This Heather Ale recipe combines pale malt, caramalt, crystal wheat malt, and fresh heather tips to create a unique and complex flavor profile. The herbal, grassy aroma of the heather tips is complemented by a slightly spicy finish, making for a beer that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Traditional Scottish Beer

Heather Ale, also known as Fraoch, is a beer with a rich history that dates back to 2000 BCE in Scotland. By trying this recipe, you’ll get to experience a taste of ancient Scottish culture and tradition.

Brewing Challenge

If you’re an experienced homebrewer looking for a new challenge, this Heather Ale recipe is a great choice. With its unique ingredients and complex flavor profile, this beer requires a bit more effort and attention to detail than some other homebrews.

Ready in Four Weeks

Despite its complex flavor profile, this Heather Ale is ready to drink in just four weeks. So if you’re looking for a relatively quick homebrew project that yields a delicious and unique beer, give this recipe a try.

FAQ on Making this Heather Ale Recipe