Belgian-style farmhouse ale (saison), brewed with Brettanomyces and bottle-conditioned, 8.5% ABV
This beer was purchased about 6 months ago, as we entered spring here in Southern California. Though the label suggests cellaring for up to two years, I wanted to give it a try relatively fresh. As this isn't a one-off brew, I'm figuring that if I like it I can always go get another few bottles to age.
Appearance: As you can see from the picture, this is a heady beer. In fact, this photo was taken after the head had settled and more beer was able to be poured! The beer is clear, with a light amber color. It's quite attractive!
Smell: Sour fruit, faint hops, grass
Taste: The taste is a bit maltier than I expected from the smell -- malts come through at the beginning of the palate with a hint of sourness. The Brettanomyces provide the characteristic earthy "funk," and that clear note lends freshness to the finish; however, compared to other Brett beers I've had, they are a lot more mild here in Saison Rue. Grassy hops do come through toward the middle of the body, with the Bretts and a touch of citrus at the end.
Mouthfeel: This is a fairly heavy beer in the mouth, actually. Part of the weight is contributed by the malt character, but is balanced by the tartness of the Brettanomyces. Despite the monstrous head, the carbonation is fairly light.
Overall: This is a tasty if not exceptional saison. As a fan of Brettanomyces, I think I was expecting a bit more of that kick here; however overall the beer is pretty well-balanced so I can't complain about the taste profile -- more Brett might have tilted the scale too far toward the tart/earthy direction for a saison. I will probably try and pick up a bottle to age.
3/5
This beer was purchased about 6 months ago, as we entered spring here in Southern California. Though the label suggests cellaring for up to two years, I wanted to give it a try relatively fresh. As this isn't a one-off brew, I'm figuring that if I like it I can always go get another few bottles to age.
Appearance: As you can see from the picture, this is a heady beer. In fact, this photo was taken after the head had settled and more beer was able to be poured! The beer is clear, with a light amber color. It's quite attractive!
Smell: Sour fruit, faint hops, grass
Taste: The taste is a bit maltier than I expected from the smell -- malts come through at the beginning of the palate with a hint of sourness. The Brettanomyces provide the characteristic earthy "funk," and that clear note lends freshness to the finish; however, compared to other Brett beers I've had, they are a lot more mild here in Saison Rue. Grassy hops do come through toward the middle of the body, with the Bretts and a touch of citrus at the end.
Mouthfeel: This is a fairly heavy beer in the mouth, actually. Part of the weight is contributed by the malt character, but is balanced by the tartness of the Brettanomyces. Despite the monstrous head, the carbonation is fairly light.
Overall: This is a tasty if not exceptional saison. As a fan of Brettanomyces, I think I was expecting a bit more of that kick here; however overall the beer is pretty well-balanced so I can't complain about the taste profile -- more Brett might have tilted the scale too far toward the tart/earthy direction for a saison. I will probably try and pick up a bottle to age.
3/5
