Following a loud pop of the cork, this beer quickly forms a massive, rocky, foamy white head that fills up half the glass, indicating a higher level of carbonation that's appropriate for this style. The liquid underneath glows an appealing, bright yellow with very good clarity. The aroma is lightly phenolic and estery, with notes of pepper, orange rind and grapefruit peel and very little noticeable malt or hops. However, a surprising amount of malt flavor is encountered on the first sip, letting the drinker know this is not your typical European saison. This is a very balanced beer with a lightly sweet, bready maltiness mixing with fruit and spice flavors reminiscent of fresh cut oranges, papaya and cardamom. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and creamy, and the finish is pleasantly bitter, leaving any drinker eager for another sip. Although certainly a somewhat atypical example of saison, this highly flavorful, effervescent and balanced beer is a delight to have in your glass on a warm, spring afternoon.
Start 14-Day Trial Subscription
*No credit card required
Classic Saison
This is a Belgian-style farmhouse ale. The aroma is dominated by fruity esters reminiscent of citrus fruits along with a moderate earthy and floral hop aroma from the use of Noble-type hops in the brewing process. Has a deep gold, hue that is often hazy, and a voluminous head on pouring as a result of the bottle-conditioning and high natural carbonation. The beer is medium-bodied and has a very refreshing effervescence which, along with a fairly low alcohol content of 6% by volume, makes this a beer to be enjoyed on a warm day by itself or with a wide range of foods, whether casual or fine dining. Complex flavors and aromas in this beer are a result of the special yeast used in fermentation combined with the additional complexity added by bottle-conditioning in large bottles for at least six weeks before being released.
