 ClarkVV (3545), Allston, Massachusetts, USA
Jan 8, 2008
500mL swingtop bottle from DA, drunk on 11/07/07 at about 4-6 months old.
Fabulous appearance, unfiltered, leaving the sediment behind to create a sparkling, clear, pale gold, brassy bottle with a mountain of white, rocky head that is stubbornly retained and shows profuse lacing.
Grassy, lightly leafy hops top off a deliciously estery and phenolic yeast character with a balanced, but tending dry, malt profile of light honey, nuts and a pinch of caramel. Lemon-lime hop and yeast acids linger on the finish, and as it breathes, the malt becomes more like fresh baked baguette, giving a rich, deep maltiness, though never getting too sweet. No alcohol or flaws.
Flavor, not surprisingly, shows a crisp, hop enlivened finish, that gives honey, nuttiness, moist whitebread and white pepper phenols on the way. Tight, engaging carbonation certainly helps its case, giving it a nearly creamy feel. But the dryness helps balance. Esters remain on the finish. Perhaps a bit more "sourdough"-like notes than I’d prefer and it could stand to be a touch more dry, but this is certainly flawlessly brewed, authentic stuff. Nothing wild, funky or particularly unusual, but correct attenuation and a proper yeast will go a long way in a saison. The restraint and low alpha acid qualities of the hops are just icing on the cake.
kiefdog (270), Tampa, Florida, USA
Jun 22, 2008 50cl bottle from Willow Bend Liquors (Tampa, FL). rated on 4/16/08. Pours a cloudy golden color with one finger white head. Clearly visible pariculate matter floating in glass. Aroma is floral with notes of spice, yeast, bread, honey. Flavor is light and spicy with a yeasty-breadiness to it. Notes of banana and vanilla appear as it warms. Slightly bitter on finish. Light to medium-bodied.
jcwattsrugger (3724), Florida and, New Jersey, USA
Jun 8, 2008 16.9oz bottle-pours a retaining off white head and cloudy gold color. Aroma is herbal, spice, yeast. Taste is medium malt, herbal, spice, yeast, some/sour vinegar. Not sure what they were aiming for but… Thanks to decaturstevo for sharing.
smith4498 (241), Miami, Florida, USA
Jun 3, 2008 Pours clear golden with huge white head. Slightly sweet and peppery with some banana flavors. Light/medium body with fizzy carbonation. It’s OK, buth there are much better saisons that are widely available.
rkuhnel (949), Eureka, California, USA
May 16, 2008 From a flip-top bottle. 2007. Poured amber with fat and pillow white head. Nose of caramel malts with fruits Nice mouthfeel. Flavors are slightly sweet with floral hops, ripe fruit, and spices .Good slightly bitter finish. Very enjoyable.
jjuf1853 (170), Land O Lakes, Florida, USA
May 6, 2008 Bottle purchased at Willow Bend Liquors (Lutz, FL) pours a cloudy golden yellow with a vibrant white head. Very pleasant aroma with notes of yeast, spices, and a hint of citrus. Delicious mix of sweet, acidic, and slightly bitter flavors. Very lively carbonation.
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