Saltspring Island Ales – Spring Fever Gruit Ancient Ale
Rating
Total
Overview
- Brewery: Saltspring Island Ales
- Beer Style: Gruit
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Pros:
A unique and flavourful brew of historical importance
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Cons:
Very floral and fragrant which may come across too strong for some
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Conclusion:
A classic, historical brew that is upped with a hefty dose of Saltspring island herbs and spices
Saltspring Island Ales – Spring Fever Gruit Ancient Ale Review
A Gruit is a historically inspired beer that uniquely uses no hops in the recipe. The lack of hops comes from the fact that the style originates prior to the discovery of hops where herbs and spices were used to preserve the beer. This brew pours from the bomber bottle a rather dark amber colour and is slightly opaque. A single finger of head tops the glass and settles leaving no trace behind. Smelling the beer it is sweet with notes of honey, caramel and a floral spiciness along side a vanilla aroma. Tasting the beer it is very unique with a herbal character that brings forth lavender, vanilla, clover and anise in a very unique and fragrant manner. The finish leaves a honey sweetness and mouthfeel behind which lingers for some duration. While somewhat over the top, without hops to bitter the equation it doesn’t come across all that excessive. This is an old-school brew that is spiced up (literally) with a concoction of herbs and spiced from Saltspring Island. Definitely a beer worth trying if for nothing but being an educational experience.
Alcohol – 5.2%
Size – 650ml bottle
saltspringislandales.com
