Belgian-Style Saison
Hopworks Brewery

 

Pale golden color with fine-grained white foam; very pretty in the Affligem chalice. Fizzy on the tongue but not bubbly in the glass. Dry and subtle flavors. A distinct meaty taste at first that gradually dries out. The nose is grain, dry cider, and a touch of funky fermentation.

Some crackery malt. No hint of hops, and very little of the usual yeasty bitterness. Quite full of apple flavors with a buttery, winey finish. There is so little sweetness here, and the dry cider and mineral aftertaste is different, but highly drinkable. A more refreshing and crisp sort of Saison. From the 22 oz bottle purchased at Chuck's 85th St. Market in Seattle.

Light zesty lemon grass flavored saison.

 

Wax seal is an interesting touch. Pours very fizzy - reminiscent of champagne. Smell and taste are citrus and light fruit, incredibly refreshing, yet with enough body to make the beer interesting. Dry finish leaves you wanting for more.

12oz glass at the tap takeover at the Underground.

This beer appears a clear, medium golden yellow hue, with one anemic finger of fluffy, frothy, and wispy eggshell white head, which leaves a few instances of trickling mountain waterfall lace around the glass as things gently subside.

It smells of tart, somewhat edgy yeast, unripe orchard fruit (apples, mostly), gritty and grainy pale malt, white pepper, and leafy, earthy hops. The taste is semi-sweet, almost sugary biscuity pale malt, a touch of yeasty caramel, mixed peppercorns, still acidic apple and pear, and a hint of clove/coriander spice.

The bubbles are pretty understated, just a wee edginess manifesting throughout, the body a sturdy medium weight for the style, and kind of acerbic to be deemed all that smooth, but no biggie. It finishes off-dry, the biscuity character starting to really predominate.

A decent Saison, all the players showing up for opening night. I'm most impressed by the complex malt, which kept my attention more than I would have thought. Certainly worth a go if you're into the style.

Surprised I'm the first to review this. Pretty bottle, yellow wax. Tasted 17 July 2014.

Pours a pale champagne yellow. Really fizzy, and strongly reminiscent of champagne. Foamed up like crazy at the first pour, but went down easily. Lots of visible carbonation. Two fingers of fizzy white head. Good retention, nice lacing.

Smell is really fruity - light peaches and a little bit of citrus. But mostly peachy sweet fruit, with a background of sweet grains and a touch of pepper.

Taste is a lovely blend of fruit that's subdued and more citrusy, with some vibrant peppery spice bouncing around.

Medium-light body; well carbonated in a way that flares up and makes the flavors tingle and bounce.

Really tasty. Bouncy, vibrant, and fruity. Yum.