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.

3.4
   AROMA 6/10   APPEARANCE 4/5   TASTE 6/10   PALATE 4/5   OVERALL 14/20
unclemike (1365) - Ft. Riley, Kansas, USA - OCT 27, 2008
Thanks to daknole Bottle. Pours copper/brown with a thin off-white head. Wow, the aroma is a total malt-festival. Caramel, toast, toffee, and milk chocolate all are very prevalent. Flavor is sugar sweet caramel with maple syrup, some dark fruit, and a mild pine finish.

3.4
   AROMA 7/10   APPEARANCE 3/5   TASTE 6/10   PALATE 3/5   OVERALL 15/20
daniele (2529) - ITALY - OCT 25, 2008
ambrata schiuma non molto abbandante discreta persitenza note maltate erbacce pino in bocca maltata corpo medio finale speziato

3.5
   AROMA 7/10   APPEARANCE 3/5   TASTE 8/10   PALATE 3/5   OVERALL 14/20
weaselkenievil (1089) - Cheshire, ENGLAND - OCT 11, 2008
Bottle. Poured a dark amber with a slight reddish tint. Smells very malty. Really tasty, malty, generous helping of fruit cake, little caramel topping on that there cake. Very nice, enjoyed this.

3.6
   AROMA 7/10   APPEARANCE 4/5   TASTE 7/10   PALATE 4/5   OVERALL 14/20
daknole (5474) - Scottsdale, Arizona, USA - OCT 10, 2008
Bottle from whole foods. Amber pour wtih a light tan head. Aroma is very malty and heavy. Some caramel notes are present and some honey as well. Flavor is pretty full and malty. Caramel, toffee, and a hit of hops balances well. I liked this one pretty well.

3.1
   AROMA 6/10   APPEARANCE 3/5   TASTE 7/10   PALATE 3/5   OVERALL 12/20
Beerman6686 (2388) - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA - SEP 27, 2008
Poured a dark amber color with an off white head. Aroma was sweet malts and pine. Flavor was a little subdued on the pine, really smooth maltiness and some caramel. Not bad at all.

3.8
   AROMA 6/10   APPEARANCE 3/5   TASTE 8/10   PALATE 4/5   OVERALL 17/20
gabrielsyme (66) - Ohio, USA - SEP 21, 2008
Pours tan-brown, little head. heavy taste of caramel and some chocolate, alcohol is well hidden for 7.5%. "Delicious Even when past expiration date."

3.2
   AROMA 6/10   APPEARANCE 3/5   TASTE 6/10   PALATE 3/5   OVERALL 14/20
drjay44 (1614) - Salida, Colorado, USA - SEP 18, 2008
11.2 oz bottle. Pours a light tan head, which becomes very thin, cloudy copper colored with multiple small floating objects....nose of honey, floral overtones, no real pine....tastes of sweetness with honey overtones, mild hoppiness comes in, mouth feel OK.

3.3
   AROMA 7/10   APPEARANCE 4/5   TASTE 6/10   PALATE 3/5   OVERALL 13/20
beerchugger (709) - North Canton, Ohio, USA - SEP 17, 2008
UPDATED: SEP 26, 2008 Pours a light amber color with minimal head. Smells of sweet malts, fruit and pine. This beer tastes of sweet candy and is decently hoppy. The pine and spruce are actually very noticeable. It’s an interesting beer with some unique qualities to it.


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 « 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 » 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