Heather, 25 g
Heather is a timeless addition to craft beer, infusing it with floral and herbal notes that evoke the essence of wild landscapes. Known for its subtle complexity, heather enriches beers with a unique character, balancing sweet and earthy tones with a faint touch of smokiness.
- Flavour Profile: Heather offers delicate floral notes, mild herbaceous sweetness, and a whisper of woodsy bitterness, creating a nuanced flavour perfect for creative brewing.
- Beer Styles: Heather shines in traditional Scottish ales, saisons, and lighter beers like golden ales. It also adds a delightful twist to meads and historical gruits.
- How to Use Heather: Heather tips can be added during the boil to extract their mild bitterness or used in the fermenter for a more pronounced floral aroma. Pair with other botanicals or hops to create layers of flavour.
Description
What is Heather?
Heather, also known as Calluna vulgaris, is a flowering plant that grows abundantly in heaths and moorlands, especially across Europe and North America. Its vibrant pink-purple blossoms have long been used in brewing and herbal remedies. Known for their distinctive aroma, heather flowers contribute both flavour and historical significance to the brewing process.
Benefits of Heather Blossom
- Delicate Flavour Profile: Heather blossom imparts a subtle floral sweetness, perfectly complementing the malt's richness and the hop's bitterness.
- Aromatic Character: Its fresh and floral aroma enhances the beer's appeal, creating an enticing bouquet.
- Versatile Use: Heather blossom can be used across a wide range of beer styles, making it an exciting ingredient for adventurous brewers.
Usage in Beer Brewing
Dried heather blossom is ideal for enriching various beer styles, including:
- Wheat Beers: Heather blossom adds a light, floral note that pairs beautifully with the fresh malt characteristics.
- Belgian Ales: It contributes to a complex flavour profile, harmonising with fruity and spicy undertones in these ales.
- Experimental Brews: Including heather blossom in creative recipes can result in unique flavour combinations that surprise and delight the palate.
How to Use Heather Blossom?
To achieve the best results with heather blossom, follow these steps:
- Addition: Add the heather blossom in the final 5–10 minutes of the boil to extract its delicate aroma and flavour without overwhelming the beer. Alternatively, it can be added during secondary fermentation.
- Dosage: A typical guideline is to use 20–30 g of heather blossom per 20 litres of wort, depending on the desired flavour intensity.
- Monitoring: Keep track of flavour development during fermentation, as heather blossom can influence the final taste profile.
History
Heather has deep roots in brewing, tracing back to ancient Scottish gruits and ales brewed without hops. The practice dates back thousands of years, when heather was one of the primary flavouring agents in beer. Its use symbolises a connection to nature and traditional brewing practices. Scottish legends even tie heather to the mythical origins of brewing itself, making it a botanical steeped in heritage and lore.
Key Features
Origin: Scotland and Europe
FLAVOUR PROFILE:
- Floral
- Earthy
- Sweet
- Smoky
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