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Saule
The Bruery
- From:
- The Bruery
- California, United States
- Style:
- Old Ale
- ABV:
- 16.1%
- Score:
- 95
- Avg:
- 4.32 | pDev: 6.48%
- Reviews:
- 42
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Retired
- Rated:
- Jan 01, 2024
- Added:
- Mar 25, 2017
- Wants:
- 2
- Gots:
- 25
Saule is French for “willow”, a traditional nine-year anniversary gift. Our ninth anniversary ale, Saule, follows in the footsteps of our anniversary releases before it, which are loosely based on an English-style old ale, fermented with our house yeast strain, aged in bourbon barrels and blended using the solera method. This means that a portion of each anniversary ale is saved in oak barrels and blended in with the next year’s production, providing more complexity and depth of character as the years go by. The result is layered in robust and complex flavors of toffee, caramel, dark fruit, vanilla and oak.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by ScruffySouthpaw:
Reviewed by ScruffySouthpaw from New York
4.36/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
4.36/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Served in a tulip glass from a vintage bottle dated 03/28/17.
Appearance: Dark mahogany brown coming off a semi cloudiness to the body with an off-white head rising just exactly one finger's length off the body.
Smell: Sweet mellow butterscotch aroma with deep notes of warm raisins and maple syrup. Complex aroma which lingers as the beer warm closer to room temperature.
Taste: Incredible complex of light brown sugar doused with barley and another feel of raisin cake. Tasty and far superior to almost anything I have had in a while.
Mouth: Soft carbonation with a ridiculously full body. Comes off super sticky and heavy after-taste makes this one a keeper.
Overall: what a gem, definitely happy I grabbed about 4 bottles of this beer not knowing one think about the brew. They salesman told me old ale, I told him I'll grab atleast 4. YOLO, grab it if you're ever so lucky. Salud!
May 18, 2020Appearance: Dark mahogany brown coming off a semi cloudiness to the body with an off-white head rising just exactly one finger's length off the body.
Smell: Sweet mellow butterscotch aroma with deep notes of warm raisins and maple syrup. Complex aroma which lingers as the beer warm closer to room temperature.
Taste: Incredible complex of light brown sugar doused with barley and another feel of raisin cake. Tasty and far superior to almost anything I have had in a while.
Mouth: Soft carbonation with a ridiculously full body. Comes off super sticky and heavy after-taste makes this one a keeper.
Overall: what a gem, definitely happy I grabbed about 4 bottles of this beer not knowing one think about the brew. They salesman told me old ale, I told him I'll grab atleast 4. YOLO, grab it if you're ever so lucky. Salud!
More User Ratings:
Reviewed by colts9016 from Idaho
4.74/5 rDev +9.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
4.74/5 rDev +9.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Review: 2008
Name: Saule
Brewery: The Bruery
Location: Placentia, CA
Style: B.B.A. Old Ale
A.B.V. 16.1%
Date: 28 Mar 2017
I am drinking Saule today using a tulip glass. I served it at 50 degrees. The pour created a foamy, creamy, two-fingered, light tan head with average retention. The color is dark brown with reddish mahogany hues, charting around S.R.M. 30. The beer is cloudy and semi-opaque. The dissipation has no lacing on the glass. The appearance is above average for this style.
The first aromas are bourbon, cherries, oak, vinous, and dried plums. Swirling the glass a few times and then nosing, I notice toasted bread, toffee, caramel, brandy, vanilla, subtle char, orange, brown sugar, figs, raisins, and earthiness. I can smell the alcohol; it is a boozy, massive-bodied beer.
The alcohol is well hidden for a beast of a beer. The barrel aging tempered this monster, giving way to oak, bourbon, and char. The flavors are dark cherries, brandy, vinous, dried plums, raisins, toasted bread, toffee, caramel, chocolate, vanilla, oranges, floral, and earthy herbal.
The mouthfeel is chewy, touch-tannic, and slightly warm. The body is heavy, with medium carbonation.
No off-flavors were detected in the nose or taste. The bottle aging was perfect. The monster of a beer is sneaky, with its high abv. The beer is smooth, like a 9% old ale. Fantastic brew; I am glad I got to consume it.
Jan 01, 2024Name: Saule
Brewery: The Bruery
Location: Placentia, CA
Style: B.B.A. Old Ale
A.B.V. 16.1%
Date: 28 Mar 2017
I am drinking Saule today using a tulip glass. I served it at 50 degrees. The pour created a foamy, creamy, two-fingered, light tan head with average retention. The color is dark brown with reddish mahogany hues, charting around S.R.M. 30. The beer is cloudy and semi-opaque. The dissipation has no lacing on the glass. The appearance is above average for this style.
The first aromas are bourbon, cherries, oak, vinous, and dried plums. Swirling the glass a few times and then nosing, I notice toasted bread, toffee, caramel, brandy, vanilla, subtle char, orange, brown sugar, figs, raisins, and earthiness. I can smell the alcohol; it is a boozy, massive-bodied beer.
The alcohol is well hidden for a beast of a beer. The barrel aging tempered this monster, giving way to oak, bourbon, and char. The flavors are dark cherries, brandy, vinous, dried plums, raisins, toasted bread, toffee, caramel, chocolate, vanilla, oranges, floral, and earthy herbal.
The mouthfeel is chewy, touch-tannic, and slightly warm. The body is heavy, with medium carbonation.
No off-flavors were detected in the nose or taste. The bottle aging was perfect. The monster of a beer is sneaky, with its high abv. The beer is smooth, like a 9% old ale. Fantastic brew; I am glad I got to consume it.
Reviewed by puck1225 from Texas
4.46/5 rDev +3.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.46/5 rDev +3.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
2017 vintage, stored in the fridge for about a year.
Poured from a bomber into a tulip glass. Dark mahogany with a nice, effervescent initial beige head and light but distinct curtain lacing.
Incredible warm, boozy smell and taste. Very rich flavors of caramel, toffee, hazelnut, cherries, vanilla, dark raisins, brandy. Lovely complexity. Nice feel, but I weave like it to be a bit richer. Very nice beer to help prepare for Thanksgiving festivities!
Nov 23, 2023Poured from a bomber into a tulip glass. Dark mahogany with a nice, effervescent initial beige head and light but distinct curtain lacing.
Incredible warm, boozy smell and taste. Very rich flavors of caramel, toffee, hazelnut, cherries, vanilla, dark raisins, brandy. Lovely complexity. Nice feel, but I weave like it to be a bit richer. Very nice beer to help prepare for Thanksgiving festivities!
Reviewed by rand from California
4.15/5 rDev -3.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.15/5 rDev -3.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
750 mL bottle into a teku glass
Dark brown ale, medium viscosity with scant head or lacing. Oaky nose with strong notes of raisin and vanilla. Sweet on the palate, with suggestions of burnt sugar, banana, tobacco.
Profile has definitely become more singular on the palate with age. A sipper, but doesn’t last long.
Dec 27, 2022Dark brown ale, medium viscosity with scant head or lacing. Oaky nose with strong notes of raisin and vanilla. Sweet on the palate, with suggestions of burnt sugar, banana, tobacco.
Profile has definitely become more singular on the palate with age. A sipper, but doesn’t last long.
Reviewed by mikeg67 from New Jersey
4.82/5 rDev +11.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
4.82/5 rDev +11.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
750 ml bottle. Pours brown with tall, long-lasting, foamy off-white head and nice lacing. Aroma is of cherries, wood, vanilla, and caramel malt. Body is full and crisp. Caramel malt, cherries, wood, brown sugar, bourbon, vanilla, spices and herbal hops fill the mouth. Finish is long and spicy. Great brew.
Apr 05, 2022Reviewed by mschrei from Illinois
4.54/5 rDev +5.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
4.54/5 rDev +5.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Third of the anniversary beers I’ve had from them (2010 and 2016 being the others). This one was drank at 4 years old.
Ended up with three separate pours with the large bottle. Each time I poured it, it started as a cloudy, murky brown with an active fizzy head. Ends with a clearer dark mahogany and mild lacing. Smell presents with dark fruit, barrel, caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, and bourbon barrel. Taste is a mix of dark fruit and bourbon barrel. Big bodied, slightly creamy, smooth and boozy finish.
I scored of the anniversary series I’ve had over 4.5. This one is easily over that. I need to search out more of the series. It’s a great one with age.
Dec 10, 2021Ended up with three separate pours with the large bottle. Each time I poured it, it started as a cloudy, murky brown with an active fizzy head. Ends with a clearer dark mahogany and mild lacing. Smell presents with dark fruit, barrel, caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, and bourbon barrel. Taste is a mix of dark fruit and bourbon barrel. Big bodied, slightly creamy, smooth and boozy finish.
I scored of the anniversary series I’ve had over 4.5. This one is easily over that. I need to search out more of the series. It’s a great one with age.
Reviewed by Treyliff from West Virginia
4.24/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.24/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
750ml bottle poured into a tulip
A- pours brown in color with a one finger foamy khaki head that reduces to a ring around the edge
S- creme brûlée and butterscotch up front, along with caramel, tobacco, and leather. Undertones of oaky bourbon barrel, figs, raisins, vanilla, brown sugar and maple
T- an unsuspected tart note up front shows possible signs of turning. Palate opens with a bold note of caramel, toffee and and creamy vanilla. Mid-palate gives some peppery tobacco notes, as well as dark fruit notes of figs, raisins and plums. The finish gives a strong oaky background with notes of barrel juice and vanilla. Lingers of dark fruits, caramel and booze
M- medium body with moderate carbonation leads to a foamy mouthfeel that turns slightly creamy into a warming finish
Nov 25, 2021A- pours brown in color with a one finger foamy khaki head that reduces to a ring around the edge
S- creme brûlée and butterscotch up front, along with caramel, tobacco, and leather. Undertones of oaky bourbon barrel, figs, raisins, vanilla, brown sugar and maple
T- an unsuspected tart note up front shows possible signs of turning. Palate opens with a bold note of caramel, toffee and and creamy vanilla. Mid-palate gives some peppery tobacco notes, as well as dark fruit notes of figs, raisins and plums. The finish gives a strong oaky background with notes of barrel juice and vanilla. Lingers of dark fruits, caramel and booze
M- medium body with moderate carbonation leads to a foamy mouthfeel that turns slightly creamy into a warming finish
Reviewed by StraightNoChaser from Georgia
4.55/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.55/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Look: deep amber. Nice tannish/red head on the pour.
Smell: bright vanilla, dark fruit, fat toffee and bourbon.
Taste: flavors aren’t poppin quite as much as they are in the nose. On the flip side, it’s Uber smooth for a 16%er. Another fantastic anniversary from these wizards.
May 07, 2021Smell: bright vanilla, dark fruit, fat toffee and bourbon.
Taste: flavors aren’t poppin quite as much as they are in the nose. On the flip side, it’s Uber smooth for a 16%er. Another fantastic anniversary from these wizards.
Reviewed by SHODriver from North Carolina
4.5/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.5/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A: Poured into a snifter to a ruddy brown beer which is topped by a dense and slightly rocky two finger cream colored head which fades slowly to a collar around the edge of the glass with minimal lacing.
S: Smells of intense dark fruits and oak with some caramel and vanilla from the barrels. Hints of mulling spices as well
T: Taste is dark fruits, caramel and toffee mixed with oak and vanilla along with a touch of alcohol. There's a hint of wine like notes as well. On the swallow there's more intense dark fruits with some red berries, caramel, oak, and vanilla.
M: This beer is on the heavier side of things with a silky feel on the palate. Carbonation is low but it's more than adequate for what we having going on here. Due to the ABV the beer has a drying finish.
O: Overall this is another nice iteration of The Bruery's annual anniversary beer. Big in flavors and complexity and packing a good bit of alcohol. It's a monster of a beer that rewards being sipped and savored.
Feb 20, 2021S: Smells of intense dark fruits and oak with some caramel and vanilla from the barrels. Hints of mulling spices as well
T: Taste is dark fruits, caramel and toffee mixed with oak and vanilla along with a touch of alcohol. There's a hint of wine like notes as well. On the swallow there's more intense dark fruits with some red berries, caramel, oak, and vanilla.
M: This beer is on the heavier side of things with a silky feel on the palate. Carbonation is low but it's more than adequate for what we having going on here. Due to the ABV the beer has a drying finish.
O: Overall this is another nice iteration of The Bruery's annual anniversary beer. Big in flavors and complexity and packing a good bit of alcohol. It's a monster of a beer that rewards being sipped and savored.
Reviewed by sjrider from California
4.34/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.34/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from a bottle 2017 vintage - murky and turbid dark mahogany with quickly dissipating off white head leaving a scant ring of tiny bubbles. Nose is multi layered sweetness with an alcohol background. Taste follows with malty cereal . apple and stone fruit. Finish is smooth and creamy with noticeable alcohol creep. Easy to get in deep on this.
Oct 07, 2020
Saule from The Bruery
Beer rating:
95 out of
100 with
136 ratings
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