Low Road Brewing Saison was judged as BJCP Category 25B, standard strength pale saison. The aroma opens with moderately high levels of spice, cinnamon, clove and white pepper. There is some lower-level spice qualities that seem more reminiscent of spicy hops. The clove aspect is out of place for the style, which may be indicative of the overall high level of phenolics. There is a touch of lemony citrus that makes its way through as I acclimate to the spice. Some low-level bready wheat malt makes an appearance as well. A hint of pomme fruit sneaks out as the beer warms. Everything is fresh and inviting, and this has a nice Belgian ale quality. Pale gold with a slight haze. Big creamy white head sits on top for the duration. Some bubbles are ascending, but this does not appear to be effervescent.

The spice in the flavor reads a little more like white and black pepper at moderately high levels. The esters are more pronounced in the flavor and are a welcome visitor. Red apple and very ripe pear. Just a faint hint of star anise adds some interest. There is a lemony quality that I typically associate with wheat malt but may come via hops or both. Some spicy hop character is also noted mid-palate. Some slightly sweet bready malt, while being pleasant, comes across a little too sweet for the dry finish necessary for a saison. There is a moderate amount of bitterness, which could also be increased to hit closer to the classic idea of the style. The body is medium-full with moderate levels of carbonation. As the appearance had foretold, the beer does not meet the effervescence that the style calls for. A drier finish or perhaps the malt being pulled back a little or the hop bitterness being increased a tad would all help to bring the beer stylistic excellence. However, these beer does display a really nice phenol and ester complexity, a pleasant malt base and other interesting and enjoyable qualities you want in a saison. All said and done the beer is well done.