According to the breweries website, introduced by the Vikings, spruce and pine ales were very popular in the Scottish Highlands until the end of the 19th century. Many early explorers, including Captain Cook, used spruce ale during long sea voyages since it prevented scurvy and ill health. Shetland spruce ale was said to "stimulate animal instincts" and give you twins. Alba is a triple style ale brewed to a traditional Highland recipe from Scots pine and spruce shoots pickled during early spring. Pure malted barley, is boiled with the young sprigs of pine for several hours then the fresh shoots of the spruce are added for a short infusion before fermentation.
Don't let the name scare you away. This is a very complex ale with Belgian like qualities. The ale pours with a hazy copper color with a nice tan head that quickly reduces to a tan rim around the glass. The aroma resembles a Belgian strong ale, a bit fruity and somewhat medicinal probably due to the 7.5 abv. There is a slight aroma of pine and spruce but it is not overstated. Taste is somewhat suggestive of a Belgian strong ale with a rich malt texture. Alba has a complex finish, the pine/spruce flavors coming through with a warm, alcohol, and slightly bitter sensation. This is a sipping beer best enjoyed after a good meal. Best drunk at room temperature from a wine or Belgian ale goblet.
Speaking of after dinner I discovered this easy to make dessert from Allrecipes
Chocolate Mousse
Use a chocolate with a high cocoa content for best results. Feel free to use whisky, orange liqueur or anything you fancy, really, instead of the rum. This recipe can be made per person, using one ounce of chocolate and one egg for each. This recipe contains raw eggs. We recommend that pregnant women, young children, the elderly and the infirm do not consume raw eggs.
Prep Time: approx. 10 Minutes. Ready in: approx. 10 Minutes.
Makes 6 servings.
Printed from Allrecipes, Submitted by Shirley Ekstein
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate chopped
6 eggs, separated
6 teaspoons rum
Directions
Melt the chocolate slowly, over, not in, simmering
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