Wee Banshee Irish Heather Ale
Trinity Brewing Company

i dont know a whole lot about heather as a botanical or as an ingredient in brewing, and although i have seen some heather ale out there before, and even had a few, its hard for me to outline its specific contribution. this beer is a really good one though, and definitely a fine alternative to the irish reds this spring. it is irish in nature though, with the dry special red malt, lacking the caramel sweetness of the american amber types. frothy tan head in the glass bubbles up high and lasts in the globe, looks lovely on top of the brick red liquid. not real floral at all in nose or taste, which i guess i expected from heather. it seems instead to sort of take the place of the hops, being quite leafy and bitter. i love how dry this beer is, but how creamy it feels on the palate. i know trinity is known for their wild yeasts, but the yeast here is anything but conventional. if its irish ale, its used entirely different (perhaps colder) than i have ever seen, but its likely some hybrid strain, and its delicious without the mustiness and residual flavors of the irish ale, it almost tastes lagered. i love the richness of feel but the drinkability. the heather is where this bitterness must come from, or its hopped pretty heavy early kettle. either way, an unconventional and delicious seasonal offering from trinity, who constantly has my attention.

 

 

 

A nice irish red that had been brewed with heather tips.

The beer poured a nice red with only a little bit of foam.
It had that perfect caramel aroma with a flavor and body that delivered a very well crafted sweet caramel flavor. There was little aftertaste and the beer finished sweet.

Overall I was very impressed with this beer and would certainly grab another if I ever get the chance!

Poure a medium brown with tints of amber. Holds a thin tan head.

Nose has floral hops, carmel, toffee, herbal spices and nutty malts.

Taste has bready malt, toffee, caramel, chocolate and earthy spices.

Medium body drinks nicely.

Not a bad effort, but they should have made a hopless spiced ale instead.