Fraoch 22: bhisky or weer?

The William Bros Brewing Company has partnered with Scotch producer Auchentoshan to produce a limited edition beer that has been aged in Sherry casks used to age Auchentoshan’s whiskies.

The limited edition beer, called Fraoch 22, which has spent one year in an ex sherry cask and six months in a tank, is now going on sale globally via the William Bros website, www.williambrosbrew.com.

Bottle in Belgian style 75cl bottles, all 12,000 of the batch are individually numbered and sealed with reusable closure device, the Zork.

Fraoch 22, affectionately known as F22 by its makers, has an ABV of 11% and is the same as the William Bros Heather Ale, just further aged in the Sherry casks.

“This maturation process delivers a rich, creamy brew, full of sherry notes & barley wine with a wood & whisky finish”, explained Bruce Williams, founding brother and keeper of the definitive recipe for Fraoch for the past 22 years.

Richard McLelland, director of sales and brotherhood at the brewery, added: “We see 2012 as the year when Fraoch Heather Ale will step out from the Shadows of some of the young pretenders and stake its claims as the true Craft Beer of Scotland.

“Fraoch 22 should be seen as a statement of intent: Although this is a 4000 year old recipe, which we proudly guard and cherish, we are not afraid to be bold and develop the brand in new directions.

“2012 has already seen us trial Fraoch Heather Ale in 50L Keg format with a National Distribution deal pending – I see no reason why Scotland should not be every bit as famous for the perfectly poured Pint of Fraoch as Ireland is for Guinness.”