CynicAle
Surly Brewing Company

CynicAleCynicAle
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From:
Surly Brewing Company
 
Minnesota, United States
Style:
Saison
ABV:
6.7%
Score:
89
Avg:
3.97 | pDev: 10.33%
Reviews:
616
Ratings:
1,518
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Sep 23, 2019
Added:
Jun 02, 2006
Wants:
  243
Gots:
  220
No description / notes.
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Ratings by magictacosinus:
Photo of magictacosinus
Reviewed by magictacosinus from California

3.48/5  rDev -12.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Thanks to amerak for sending me this alongside other awesome Surly offerings. Poured into a tulip glass out of a 16oz can. At the time of consumption (late December), this was about 2 months old.

Orange amber in color, in the same similar vein as other saisons, but when held against the light, this produces a golden hue that reminds me of Belgian pale ales, as well as slightly more generic ones that are produced around the country (as well as in Belgium). Contains a frothy white head that dissipates rapidly over the course of consumption, and leaves behind minimal stickiness. This is a pretty modest effort overall from a brewery that's known for pretty oily, concentrated beers. Something tells me that this will be pretty light on the hops, for whatever reason.

By golly, I was right - most Surly beers are pretty hoppy and dank in their own special way, but this is among those that are not. This isn't to its detriment, however - the beer produces a lot of nice crisp, grassy, and spicy yeasty notes that good saisons are known for: pears, apples, and white grapes. At the same time, it also embodies lots of aromas that many generic saisons made in this country showcase: bananas, clove, and candy sugar. Finishes quite grainy, with minor notes of toffee. Not a chore at all to wade through, and it's good to see them tone things down a bit. It smells refreshing and down to earth, but it's extraordinarily underwhelming given what I've seen this brewery churn out.

The flavor is far more mild than anticipated, however, and I suppose I should have seen that coming given the simple, nearly anemic profile in the aroma, as far as saisons go. Tastes a lot like a run-of-the-mill Belgian pale ale, with crisp toasted cereal grains, apples, pears, and some raisin notes at the finish. Brief pepper, vanilla, and toffee (as well as candy sugar) finish it off, with a light grassy hopped element that cleanses the palate. Medium bodied, although it does get progressively thinner as time goes on. Definitely really easy drinking, but doesn't embody any of the dry, pungent, or spicy yeasty aromas that I tend to drink saisons for. Still, as far as the style goes, it's really unique to see a canned saison, and see it work out.

I really think that Surly decided to make a pretty easy going Belgian-style pale ale when they made this, and rebranded it as a saison due to the grassy hoppy profile, as well as the spice and funk in the yeast. Don't expect anything super complex, however - this drinks far more like a Belgian pale ale or a lowly pilsner, at the end of the day. It definitely wouldn't be a bad option for me if I had it at a bar or something, but with so many far more complex and intriguing saisons out there, as well as those that are equally refreshing, this does feel a bit lost out at sea overall.
Mar 07, 2014
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4 by Samnem from Pennsylvania

Sep 23, 2019
 
Rated: 3.61 by socon67 from New York

Aug 01, 2019
 
Rated: 4.59 by Calabash from Pennsylvania

Jun 10, 2019
 
Rated: 4 by dafla67 from Pennsylvania

Feb 25, 2019
 
Rated: 4.18 by rjd722 from Maryland

Nov 05, 2018
 
Rated: 3.29 by Gaddabble from Ohio

Sep 27, 2018
Photo of BucannonXC5
Reviewed by BucannonXC5 from California

3.92/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Type: 16-oz. can
Glass: Clear 16.5-oz. Belgian ale tulip
From: My cousin Sam
Price: N/A
Purchased: N/A; Received July 21, 2018
Consumed: July 27, 2018
Reviewed as: Belgian Pale Ale
Misc.: Canned on May 29, 2018 at 9:33 a.m. CT

Thanks, Sam!

Got this with another 10 from Sam. Was psyched to try another beer from Surly. Online description on Surly’s website read, “A pale-gold hued ale, fermented with a Belgian yeast strain, resulting in a beer that has notes of lemon citrus from the hops, and black pepper spice from the yeast, with a dry “tingly” finish.” Not the biggest Belgian Pale Ale fan, but was still looking forward to this one.

Poured an amber semi-clear color with two fingers of frothy off-white head. Lots of bubbles coming up along the sides of the glass. Outstanding watery lacing. Outstanding retention. (Sight - 4.25)

Smelled cloves, apple, pear, banana, lemon peel, citrus zest, Circus Peanut candy, peach, apricot, Belgian candy sugary, grass and black pepper notes. From the can got pear, apple, cloves and pilsner malt. (Smell - 4.00)

Tasted similar to the nose, maybe not quite as good overall. In order got cloves, apple, pear, peach, Circus Peanut candy, banana, black pepper, apricot, lemon zest, Belgian candied sugar, grass and sourdough bread. (Taste - 3.75)

Medium body. Oily texture. Lively carbonation. Long, spicy finish. (Feel - 4.00)

Really liked this surprisingly. Would recommend this to any Belgian Pale Ale fan. (Overall - 4.00)

3.92 | 88 | B+
Aug 08, 2018
 
Rated: 3.6 by craigmj7 from Kansas

Aug 06, 2018
Photo of hommeside2
Rated by hommeside2 from Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +13.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Complex refreshing, pleasantly balsamic aroma, taste of berry, wonderful hops.
Jul 30, 2018
 
Rated: 3.71 by sethcroisant from Nebraska

Jun 11, 2018
Photo of ipeters1017
Reviewed by ipeters1017 from Wisconsin

3.82/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
Pours a light amber, lots of bubbles and very clear. Strong yeast profile on the nose with a bit of sweetness. Taste is malt-forward, slightly spicy, decently sweet, with a tart and slightly fruity finish. Light bodied, smooth and leaves a dry feeling at the finish. I know I tried this about a year ago and didn't love it, but I've changed my mind (and my palate!). Very refreshing and will definitely be in my summer rotation.
Apr 27, 2018
Photo of VABA
Reviewed by VABA from Virginia

3.89/5  rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Pours a nice light amber color with a slight head and lacing. Aroma had nice saison hints. The taste follows the nose with nice saisin flavor. A well made well balanced beer.
Feb 22, 2018
 
Rated: 4.3 by Richie_C_Johnson from Minnesota

Feb 15, 2018
 
Rated: 4.25 by Beerbuddha from Florida

Jan 14, 2018
 
Rated: 3.75 by jcb7472 from Florida

Dec 30, 2017
 
Rated: 4 by j-rod18 from North Dakota

Dec 19, 2017
 
Rated: 3.25 by t2grogan from Arizona

Oct 28, 2017
 
Rated: 3.25 by redcloverkid from Minnesota

Oct 26, 2017
Photo of Beginner2
Reviewed by Beginner2 from Illinois

4/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Surly beers were always too different for me... (I'd be considered a fuddy-duddy, malt-head by much of the craft culture.)
The six Surly beers I Had were all rated below the BA average... two, far below.
I've changed my mind. (And that's hard to do for a fuddy-duddy.)
Despite its name, CynicAle is a very pleasant drink as a session and even more pleasant to complement my favorite food (it involves lots of garlic.)

While this saison opens average and, to be generous, Smells that way also, the Taste is very, very well-balanced. (This balance of not leaning on the hops makes me wonder if this ale almost didn't come from a different brewer.) Malt-forward, spicing for interest write the rules in this can. With English oats in the malt bill, the Feel is soft enough to be nearly perfect to let garlicky food work. But you know what? I missed the hops typical of saisons. So, I had to add pepper to my food for added spicing. (Maybe I'm not such a fuddy-duddy after all.)

I bought a 4-pack of cans (which also is outside the comfort zone of Belgo-phile fuddy-duddies.) It may prove to be my best purchase this month. I was also glad to read on the package that Surly's Beer Hall has an upstairs gastro-pub that pairs their ales and food (and where they send fuddy-duddies.) This gives me cause to visit the Twin Cities and witness who I used to be.
Oct 17, 2017
CynicAle from Surly Brewing Company
Beer rating: 89 out of 100 with 1518 ratings