Ebulum
Elderberry Black Ale, 6.5% ABV

Ebulum, an Elderberry Black Ale from Bruce Williams the brewer of Heather Ale, is a rich black ale with fruit aroma, silky soft texture, a soft roasted flavor and a gentle finish. This is the fourth offering from Heather Ale and continues the tradition of using only Scottish indiginous ingredients with ancient Scottish recipes. This brew uses elderberries picked in Scotland from late September through October.

The elder tree and and its berries are steeped in mythology. Welsh Celtic druids considered the elder tree to have mystical properties. They used the fruit of the elder for many of their magic remedies and potions. They also drank a dark fermented beverage brewed from cereals, herbs and elderberries during Autumn ceremonies. This drink was then diluted and passed round the people of the village. This tradition was in common use in Scotland by the 9th century.

There are many elderberry wine and ale recipes, but the most common ale was Ebulum which was reputed to have been a black ale tasting richly of roasted grain and wine. Heather Ale Ltd. has re-created this ale by brewing from roasted barley, oats and wheat boiled with herbs then fermented with ripe elderberries.

Complements to Ebulum:
Drink with baked and stewed foods. Drink lightly chilled from a straight glass.

Quotes:
"A rich black ale with fruit aroma, silky soft texture, soft roasted flavor and a gentle finish."