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.

3.6
   AROMA 7/10   APPEARANCE 4/5   TASTE 7/10   PALATE 4/5   OVERALL 14/20
motelpogo (4543) - Plzen, CZECH REPUBLIC - FEB 3, 2007
on cask at berlinerbierfest06. reddish brown, spicy, gooseberry aroma. alcohol shows but is quite warming, lightly prickly and some pleasant lacic sourness.

3.7
   AROMA 7/10   APPEARANCE 3/5   TASTE 8/10   PALATE 3/5   OVERALL 16/20
tronraner (2430) - Walland, Tennessee, USA - JAN 22, 2007
Bottle. Pours a slightly cloudy rust color with gray floaties and beige head. The aroma is quite malty with some yeasty bread tones and some fruity floral notes. The flavor is very piney, which surprised me a little because it is so subdued in the nose. The edge is taken off it by some bready yeast and malt notes. Some caramelized sugar sweetness floats around in there, too. The finish is increasingly dry and leaves a slight pine and alcohol aftertaste. I like this brew quite a bit, but I am a fan of pine and spruce flavors.

3.3
   AROMA 7/10   APPEARANCE 3/5   TASTE 8/10   PALATE 3/5   OVERALL 12/20
STEPHENDR (478) - California, USA - JAN 18, 2007
12 oz. bottle- color of murky honey , with a light white head - nose of cannabis , malts , red berries , light resin , and light chocolate – taste of bright red berries , hopps , pine , mint , blueberries , and chocolate malts - body light , and light carbonation – aftertaste of fuit and light Malts

4.4
   AROMA 10/10   APPEARANCE 4/5   TASTE 9/10   PALATE 4/5   OVERALL 17/20
dwyerpg (3462) - Las Vegas, Nevada, USA - JAN 18, 2007
Wonderful piny molasses aroma. Taste is similar, piny and molasses. Very good stuff; a slightly thin finihs, but certainly great.

2.6
   AROMA 3/10   APPEARANCE 5/5   TASTE 5/10   PALATE 3/5   OVERALL 10/20
smellyshoes (11) - USA - JAN 17, 2007
This beer is good, but not good enough to warrant how seriously it takes itself on the label. I expect fireworks from anything that proclaims it should be drunk "from a wine goblet". It is remarkably smooth, given the relatively high alcohol content. Beautiful color. Smells a bit like pinesol--I suppose this is a downside to any pine ale. Overall good, but in my eye, a tad overrated.

3.6
   AROMA 7/10   APPEARANCE 4/5   TASTE 7/10   PALATE 3/5   OVERALL 15/20
TaktikMTL (4133) - Montréal-Nord, Quebec, CANADA - JAN 15, 2007
Bouteille de 330 ml achetée à la LCBO (Ottawa, ONT). Arôme: Oeur de pin pétillant et de citron. Apparence: La couleur est ambrée orangée. Présence d’un mince col mousseux et d’une fine dentelle sur le verre. Saveur: Goût de pin et d’agrumes. Durée moyenne de l’arrière goût. Palette: Le corps est moyen avec une texture légèrement sirupeuse. Moyenne effervescence en bouche. Présence d’agrumes en arrière goût. (Rating #831)

4.4
   AROMA 8/10   APPEARANCE 4/5   TASTE 9/10   PALATE 5/5   OVERALL 18/20
njbuddha (2) - Pitman, New Jersey, USA - JAN 4, 2007 does not count
Strong ale with a good mouth feel and texture. Hints of pine and spruce for an interesting flavour without being overpowering. Good ale with hearty meals or on a long cold night.

3.9
   AROMA 7/10   APPEARANCE 5/5   TASTE 8/10   PALATE 4/5   OVERALL 15/20
Hoser (365) - Cowtown, Alberta, CANADA - DEC 31, 2006
UPDATED: JAN 7, 2007 And us North Americans drink IPAs to get spruce and pine flavours. 494 Classic Brews to go. Out of one of those historic Scottish sample packs.


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 « 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 » 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