Birra del Borgo Duchessic

Brewed by Birra del Borgo
Style: Saison
Borgorose, Italy

Serve in Tulip

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A vigorous pour only produces a ¼-finger thick, pale tan colored head. The beer is a pale amber / gold color that shows a brilliantly clear, paler version of the same hue when held up to the light. The aroma has a nutty, oxidized malt note to it up front that jumps out compared to the Beersel Mattina that I just had; it is quite the dominant note, and sort of has a metallic, iron like edge to it. Perhaps a hint of tartness, a sort of straw like note, and even a rich, whole grain character is noticeable under the dominant notes, especially as this beer warms up.

The note from the aroma is also in the flavor though not quite as dominant; definitely metallic, iron / blood character, oxidized, nutty malt notes, and a stale beery character are all here, but there is also a soft tartness, some musty notes, and perhaps a hint of musky-animal like character that comes through. A sort of herbal note, that suggests at menthol, notes of stinging nettle, and oxidized herbaceous hop notes. The body here is quite light, but doesn’t approach watery in character.

I definitely would love to see a lot more of these Saison / Lambic blends; they end up working quite well in these “modern” interpretations, and it almost has me wondering how much different these two styles were in a historical sense; regardless, this is quite tasty as well, though I certainly preferred the Beersel Mattina / Morning. The oxidation character here definitely is a bit much for the nose, but in the flavor is not quite so dominant such that it is quite a bit more enjoyable. Definitely an experience in the end.

Bottle compliments of Keith at a tasring, pours hazy golden with medium head and lace. Notes were heavy brett, muscat grapes, cheese, lemon gueuze, cantillon. Medium in body. Dry, sour finish. Nice and funky offering from del Borgo.

Definitely more of a sour ale than a saison. Funky sour aroma, a bit bready. Very nice beverage. One of the better Italian beers I’ve had.

12.7oz bottle. Unfiltered orange-tan body, steady creamy white head. Attractive slow champagne carbonation bubbles rising. Bigtime funky aroma, more earthy Saison than straight up sour. Medium bodied, very refreshing and enjoyable. Lemon-lime notes, some creamy yeast. Really enjoyable beverage.

Cloudy light golden amber, large-ish head that dissipates quick. Smelled funky as soon as the top was popped, smells fruity and yeasty funky. Tastes fruity and funky with medium hop levels into a roasted fruit caramel finish. Really liked this.

Pours a clear golden color, bone white collar and decent staying power. Smells of musty lemon, hay, barnyard and funk aromas as well. In the taste, mild wheat malt, aggressive sourness from the Cantillion blend. Sour lemon, mild wheat and clove flavors, and mild bitterness. Finish is drying, sour and beckons for another sip. Overall, a really nice farmhouse ale with ample sourness.

The aroma is yeasty and cheesy with a touch of vinegar and tart fruit and spice. The appearance is cloudy gold with particulates and a large head. The taste is like the aroma. The palate is smooth. Overall a good example of the style but not one that I love.

Bottle from Zipps, has some big time floral earthy funk aroma. Taste is a nice blend of sourness and a bit of spice, lemon yeast coats the mouth in the finish. ---Rated via Beer Buddy for iPhone

December 15, 2012 bottle shared by Brandon. Cloudy yellow pour with nice head. Aroma was earthy funk and slight spice. Taste was consistent with aroma. Not a bad saison / lambic mix, but flavors were just not that strong.

Bottle - thanks Brandon! Hazy yellow pour with a white head. Aroma is funky saison meets sour meets a touch of skunk, but its still good. Bright citrusy taste, sharp palate. Good stuff.