RateBeer
Sign Up or Login : Advanced Search
Score
8784
OVERALLStyle
Brewed by Williams Brothers (Heather Ales)
Style: Traditional Ale
Alloa, Scotland

bottled
common

on tap
available

Broad Distribution

Add Distribution Data
send corrections | shelftag | edit barcodes |
RATINGS: 760   WEIGHTED AVG: 3.37   EST. CALORIES: 225   ABV: 7.5%
COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Bottled. A cask version at 6% is produced in March and April.
"Scots Pine Ale"
Introduced by the Vikings, spruce and pine ales were very popular in the Scottish Highlands until the end of the 19th century. Many early explorers, including Captain Cook, used spruce ale during long sea voyages since it prevented scurvy and ill health. Shetland spruce ale was said to "stimulate animal instincts" and give you twins. Alba is a triple style ale brewed to a traditional Highland recipe from Scots pine and spruce shoots pickled during early spring.Pure malted barley, is boiled with the young sprigs of pine for several hours then the fresh shoots of the spruce are added for a short infusion before fermentation.
A tawny brown strong ale with spruce aroma, rich malt texture, complex wood flavour and lingering finish.
Best drunk at room temperature from a wine goblet as an after dinner digestive.

3.5
   AROMA 7/10   APPEARANCE 4/5   TASTE 7/10   PALATE 3/5   OVERALL 14/20
curly (2204) - Seattle (Newcastle), Washington, USA - MAY 31, 2010
Pours translucent rich orange with a thick beige head. Aroma of lemony hops and the spruce is nice and sappy, also caramel malt. Taste is mild, spruce reminds me of a christmas tree, overall well balanced and easy drinking. A little perfumey, medium body, soft carbonation.

3.1
   AROMA 6/10   APPEARANCE 3/5   TASTE 7/10   PALATE 3/5   OVERALL 12/20
fata2683 (2066) - Tucson, Arizona, USA - MAY 16, 2010
bottle pours light amber with a medium off white head. Aroma is strong caramel malt and herbal hops. Flavor is sweet almost strawberry and hay with a mellow finish of berry and spruce notes.

3.2
   AROMA 7/10   APPEARANCE 4/5   TASTE 6/10   PALATE 3/5   OVERALL 12/20
jtclockwork (3434) - , New Jersey, USA - MAY 14, 2010
Pours a nice muddy dark brown in glass. Nose and taste of alcohol, pine needles, and spice. Rated 3/22/2000

3
   AROMA 7/10   APPEARANCE 3/5   TASTE 5/10   PALATE 3/5   OVERALL 12/20
cmonster (611) - Portland, Oregon, USA - MAY 12, 2010
Bottle served in a tulip. Pours a murky glowing amber-orange with nil head but a crown. Very interesting aroma. Sprucy, big pepper, fruit and funk. Medium body, minimal carbonation. Malty, salty flavor with a dry finish.

2.9
   AROMA 8/10   APPEARANCE 2/5   TASTE 5/10   PALATE 2/5   OVERALL 12/20
bluebetty (820) - AUSTRALIA - MAY 4, 2010
Bottle. Pours a deep copper with absolutely no head what so ever. Aromas are quite sweet with plenty of raspberry’s coming through. Somewhat tart as well reminding me a little of a framboise. Definately not what was expected. Flavours unfortunately dont live up to the aromas in this instance. Some malt / caramel sweetness with an odd resiny finish. Unfotunately the lack of carbonation really impacts on this beer. Not great unfortunately despite the promising aroma. .

3.2
   AROMA 7/10   APPEARANCE 3/5   TASTE 6/10   PALATE 3/5   OVERALL 13/20
Madsnp (893) - Vinens Verden - Odense C, DENMARK - APR 27, 2010
Bottle. Pours clear amber colored with a nice off white head. Aromas of honey, dried fruit, sweet orange fruit, caramel and herbs. Sweet flavor with notes of caramel, honey, spice and fruit. A little too sweet maybe.. Still quite tasty..

3.4
   AROMA 7/10   APPEARANCE 4/5   TASTE 7/10   PALATE 3/5   OVERALL 13/20
scoth (423) - Fort Collins, Colorado, USA - APR 21, 2010
Pours clear orange-scarlet with a large beige head, fine clinging lacing. Aromas of orange, honeydew, spruce and floral notes, as well as hints of biscuit, wood, and grass. Medium-light body, creamy, and crisp. Lightly sweet, flavors match the nose, tangy mid-palate, a gentle bitterness in the finish is just enough to balance everything out. Drinkability suffers somewhat to the uniqueness of character but one bottle was a delight.

3.6
   AROMA 7/10   APPEARANCE 4/5   TASTE 7/10   PALATE 4/5   OVERALL 14/20
rader58 (576) - Leawood, Kansas, USA - MAR 30, 2010
Pours a clear honey/brown color. Aroma is sweet, toasted grain, pine and citrus. Smells slightly like Big Sur, California. A mix of ocean and pine. Flavor is pine and floral with a light sweetness. Finish is slightly dry with a lingering sweet floral and woody flavor. Tastes a bit like what mountain air smells like, but just a hint sweeter.


We Want To Hear From You



Join us! RateBeer is made by beer enthusiasts for the craft beer community. Your basic membership is free and allows you to read all beer ratings. Click here to create your account... and give your opinion!

Join Us »



View Page
1 « 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 » 76
Tick this beer
  • Currently 0/5 Stars.
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5



Rating Notecard:
Beer: Heather Ales Alba Rating Avg: 3.37 No. of Ratings: 760
Copyright © 2000-2012,
RateBeer LLC. All rights
reserved.
about us
About RateBeer
FAQ
Feedback?
New Beers
 add
Advanced Search
Add A Beer
Add A Brewer
Add A Place
membership
Log In
Edit Personal Info
Premium Membership
Your Messages
 the best
100 Beer Club
The Top 50