According to the Williams Bros. Brewing Co, the notes are:
'A light amber ale with floral. peaty aroma, full of malt character and a spicy herbal finish.'
I came across this luscious brew on a trip to Edinburgh back in April 2012. After wandering Old Town and exploring the Castle with a couple of regular old codgers we were ready for the knackers yard and headed for our hotel on the Haymarket. Realising what a trek that was and requiring food and libations, we stopped by a very trendy looking bar called Mercat Bar & Grill. The staff were wonderful and friendly, taking pity on the three old gits who looked ready to be carted away in a private ambulance. They were forthcoming with their ale selection and we all agreed to try 'Fraoch' on recommendation along with a side order of their Haggis cigars with whiskey marmalade, telling Pete, the fussy eater of our band of merry men, that Haggis was Scottish for mince.
And so arrived our ale, served with goblet glasses that would look at home in Hogwarts (I've got grandchildren, I know all about Harry Potter).
We eagerly decanted the lovely light amber coloured nectar and took a good sniff. After a slog about Edinburgh it was a delight, lovely floral tones, like the catch of a beautiful perfume on a breeze. Then the peaty element came through, richer with a subtle spice.
Then the taste, light and refreshing with a hint of sweetness, giving way to a bolder, complex flavour, further floral notes and a smooth after taste. Unlike the mother in law, there is no bitterness with this brew and the lovely complexity invites another taste.
It perfectly complimented the hot Haggis cigars that were served along side, which even Pete found moreish.
This is a finely crafted ale and has become one of my regular favourites.
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