Using Heather flowers in Beer - Need Help

[Oktober]

Has anyone gone ahead and brewed a beer using heather flowers (i.e. the traditional scottish ales)? I happen to have a bunch of heather plants that are still in bloom and I wouldn't mind using them before flowering stage ends (late spring), otherwise I'll have missed the opportunity. I'm thinking about going down the traditional road and brewing the scottish inspired ale (possibly using Randy Mosher's recipe from Radical Brewing). However, I'd love some guidance from those that might have experiemented with it before.

Anyone have any advice? How much to put into the brew and when? Suggested recipes? Add just the flower tips or the branch of flowers?

Thanks!

-Okt

[Hoser]

Oktober,

While I can't speak to using fresh heather tips directly, I have used the dried tips you get from your LHBS with great success in the past after being inspired by the Fraoch Heather Ale.

I prefer to use the heather tips as one would a late hop charge with an addition at 10 min and flameout. I have heard of brewers using it as a bittering agent with some success. While I believe it is true that you will get some bitterness from the heather tips, I think it is negligible (the equivalent of 2%AA?). Myself, I prefer the aroma and flavor of the heather and bitter with an english style hop to get into the range of 15-20 IBUs (calculated). I use Jamil's 80 Schilling recipe from Brewing Classic Styles and have had great success with it placing first in several comps in the spiced ale categories.

The thing you may also consider is to increase the volume of your wort because it takes a large number of heather tips to reach 1-2oz and you will lose a great deal of wort because of this. If you really want to kick up the heather flavor and aroma, use some heather honey as well. The flavor really carries through to the finished product!

I am currently at work, but will attempt to post a recipe later when I get home.

Hope this helps!

Hoser