Jolly Pumpkin Bam Biere

This saison reminds me of Orval — the finish of both have that spicy, astringent, plasticy, bandage taste. This just isn’t as strong, but strong enough to dominate the beer. Beautiful pour. Murky yellow golden body. Huge foamy white head. Spicy aroma of coriander with notes of lemon and mildewy earth. Flavor starts sweet but quickly introduces some medicinal bitterness along with the astringency. The palate is smooth from the full body and perfect carbonation. Very dry finish. Overall, the astringency rules and not in a good way for me.

In classic JP fashion, this beer is impossible to pour without a gigantic, tulip filling head rising rapidly. After some patience, the head settles into a giant mound of whipped foam atop the honey colored body which is a treat to look at. The enticing aroma is filled with yeasty esthers - banana creme, oaky wood and vanilla with a subtle brett note lingering. The body is spritzy with CO2 and refreshing on the tongue. I am surprised by the watery body though, light peach and apple esthers are the most notable aspects. A plastic note is here as well. I was expecting some malt profile to back up the delicate yeast, but not much is here. This is easy to drink though and a nice summer refresher.

Had to re-rate, cuz I love this beer and it deserves better. Pours a large, cloudy head that wants to implode down the middle, but reserves more self-dignity. Cloying, clumpy, mouth-watering lacing. Huge sour barnyard nose which exerts an incredible floral bouquet. Zesty earth notes, dried citrus, wheat, lite green grape, with a sourish pepper aftertaste. Highly carbonated, supremely balanced, and refreshing. Definitely in the top ten best beers...EVER.

12oz. Bottle $11.49 6-Pack Bam Biere poured a very hazy golden. There was a 2+ finger white frothy head upon the pour that turned chunky and rocky after falling to 1 finger. Fast rising carbonation bubbles rise all over the sides and, I’m guessing, in the middle. The haze makes it tough to tell. I really like the smell of this one. It’s different from saisons I’ve had in the past. Fresh tart green apples are the first thing that comes about. It’s followed by an interesting burst of wildflowers. There is also that smell of straw and horse blanket that is found in other saisons. The yeast spiciness isn’t as bold as in other versions. There is more of the spicy yeast in the flavor. That’s the first thing I taste actually. Mid-palate the wildflowers and straw come through. Along with a touch of clove. It’s a very soft flavor. The finish is earthy and damp. Unfortuanately it finishes a little weak. As it warms there is a slight pepper spiciness in the finish. Mouthfeel is good. Prickly carbonation but not overdone. The carbonation makes the body feel lighter than it actually is. Keeps it moving quickly throuh and getting the flavors in quickly before the next takes over. I can easily sit here and drink a few of these. If it’s hot outside or paired with the right meal I could easily drink these one on top of the other. The alcohol keeps it an easy drinker. Bam Biere is a good quality brew from Jolly Pumpkin. The beers I have tried from them have all been good and interesting. This one follows suit. Give it a try with a chicken or turkey breast. 12/18/06

Rated 8/13/06: Single bottle, wish I had picked up a couple more since it would have been nice to sip on a few throughout the evening. Pours a cloudy bright yellow-orange with an enormous fluffy white head. Agitated the yeast and dumped it on top creating a light brown sprinkling on top of the head that swirled nicely. Aroma is pleasant somewhat spicy and very yeasty could be more prominant. Mouthfeel is alright nothing great very crisp but a tad thin for my liking. Flavor is right in line with the saisson style. There is a mild peppery spicy flavor backed with some light fruitiness, lightly hopped this beer seemed well balanced and it is very drinkable. Yes I wish I had a couple more to enjoy.

12 oz. bottle courtesy Boutip. Pale golden colour with a huge fully lasting fizzy, creamy, and rocky off-white head. Tart citrus blend aroma of lemon, lime, orange, tangerine, and grapefruit with yeasty and dusty notes. Toasty cereal, grapefruit, candyish, and yeasty flavours with a dry fruity and lightly pithy bitter finish. Light bodied, effervescent but dry and refreshing mouthfeel. Nice stuff.

Cloudy dark golden body topped by a pillowy white head. Aroma is spicy and yeasty, with mint, lime, and fresh lemons. High carbonation produces a velvety mouthfeel on the light medium body. Taste is dry and refreshing, with lime, lemonrind, white pepper, exotic spices, and some floral hop bitterness. Notes of leafy mint creep in as well. Very similar to other JP ales but more drinkable with the low abv.

Tasted at Holiday Wine Cellar. Honey yellow with fluffy white head. Aroma citrus, cloves, and barn yard. Clean crisp palate. Taste citrus, yeast, spices with a dry slightly peppery finish. Very good.