Winter LIghtning Brett Saison
Fitger's Brewhouse

First, here's the brewery's description of this beer:

"Winter Lightning is a stronger version of a traditional saison. We laid this beer in Napa Valley fresh dumped Cabernet Sauvignon Barrels and added Brettanomyces. In most beer styles Brettanomyces is viewed as a contaminant and the characteristics it imparts are considered unwelcome “off-flavours.” However, in many styles, particularly certain traditional Belgian ales, it is appreciated and encouraged. Lambic and gueuze owe their unique flavour profiles to Brettanomyces. This wild yeast complements the oak and wine flavors in this beer with a sour effervesce and fruity notes."

Now my reactions. This is a very interesting, very unusual saison. The brett and the wine barrel aging both add a rather different flavor/aroma profile to this beer, compared to most saisons that I've had. Although Fitger's says it's a sour beer, I'd say the tartness is pretty mild.

Winter Lightning is a beer that style purists may not like, and is probably a beer that won't appeal to most folks. That's not because it isn't good, but because it's just too different. It reminds me of some avant garde art I've seen, that I can respect, but that I don't quite get. My overall score reflects my respect for Fitger's creativity.

This beer grew on me and I wound up thinking it was pretty good. You'll have to like the funky brett effects, and be in an adventurous mood. Give the beer a try, and give Fitger's props for trying something pretty far out of the ordinary.