Judge's Review: 93 Rating - pFriem Brett Saison by pFriem Family Brewers

pFriem Brett Saison by pFriem Family Brewers could be evaluated as BJCP 2015 style 25B (Saison), but since Saison typically expects characterful Saccharomyces yeast (and NOT Brettanomyces), I evaluated as style 28A (Brett Beer), which is where a Brett Saison should be placed, according to the guidelines. The beer pours with a huge white head of medium-to-large bubbles that quickly fades to a thin layer of tiny white bubbles. Color is a hazy yellowish deep straw. The aroma is a strong nose full of farmhouse - moderate fresh mowed hay, medium pineapple (typical of Brett Claussenii), moderately high lemon zest, and low supporting bready malt. Aroma hops are medium level earthy, floral, and a bit grassy (maybe the beer was dry-hopped?). The flavor amplifies all of the aromas, particularly the wet hay, pineapple, lemony and floral/grassy hop notes, adding a moderate herbal note too. Medium low bittering balances to leave a quite dry and well attenuated finish that reflects the farmhouse notes and just a bit of funk. Balanced pretty evenly between hop bittering and malt, the Brett is the star here, adding layers of complexity to the already interesting Saison spicy notes. Overall a very complex and yet very balanced beer, very enjoyable. Although this beer would pair with most any food, a spinach salad with cranberries, Mandarin oranges and almonds might be the perfect match. Hot bacon dressing is optional.