Carnevale | The Lost Abbey
Brewed by:
The Lost Abbey
California, United States
lostabbey.com
Style: Saison / Farmhouse Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 6.50%
Availability: Winter
Notes / Commercial Description:
Brewed in celebration of Lent and Easter season, Carnevale is light bodied Saison, using Brettanomyces along with Amarillo and Simcoe hops to generate flavor and depth. Carnevale’s complexity grows with time. The citrus notes tend to wane and the wild yeast rears its wonderfully tasting head.
2008 (first release) did not have brettanomyces.
Added by seaoflament on 02-12-2008
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 315 | Ratings: 790
4.52/5 rDev +13.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Look: It pours pale gold with a full white, long lasting head. It has a slight haze to it with Belgian lace as the head recedes.
Smell: It has high citrus aromas with moderate earthly elements. It is moderately spicy with pepper.
Taste: It has flavors highlight by high fruit flavors with citrus and orange. There is also a moderate blend of earthen flavors, spice, and pepper. There is a low sour element as well. The complex flavors work well together.
Feel: It has high carbonation and a moderate feel. There is a low sour and bitter finish that is dry.
Overall, this is a very complex blend of aromas and flavors in an ale highlight by citrus and yeast.
★ 665 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Look: It pours pale gold with a full white, long lasting head. It has a slight haze to it with Belgian lace as the head recedes.
Smell: It has high citrus aromas with moderate earthly elements. It is moderately spicy with pepper.
Taste: It has flavors highlight by high fruit flavors with citrus and orange. There is also a moderate blend of earthen flavors, spice, and pepper. There is a low sour element as well. The complex flavors work well together.
Feel: It has high carbonation and a moderate feel. There is a low sour and bitter finish that is dry.
Overall, this is a very complex blend of aromas and flavors in an ale highlight by citrus and yeast.
★ 665 characters
3.27/5 rDev -17.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.25
Pours a medium golden hue with nice fluffy head. Strong retention. Aroma is tradional & on-point for the style - with notes of dry yeast, hay and lemon rind - though it was a tad muted. It's somewhat full-bodied for a saison and a little oily with lots of carbonation.
Flavor profile was a little washed-out to me - the Brett is not very present at all (moreso upfront) and is drowned out by the hop notes, which bring a soft tropical note to it but otherwise is also pretty faded. They do add a bitterness at the end that is also tinged with a vine note. In the end, the lack of any stand-out notes & the too-heavy-for-the-style body was dissapointing for me.
★ 662 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.25
Pours a medium golden hue with nice fluffy head. Strong retention. Aroma is tradional & on-point for the style - with notes of dry yeast, hay and lemon rind - though it was a tad muted. It's somewhat full-bodied for a saison and a little oily with lots of carbonation.
Flavor profile was a little washed-out to me - the Brett is not very present at all (moreso upfront) and is drowned out by the hop notes, which bring a soft tropical note to it but otherwise is also pretty faded. They do add a bitterness at the end that is also tinged with a vine note. In the end, the lack of any stand-out notes & the too-heavy-for-the-style body was dissapointing for me.
★ 662 characters
3.04/5 rDev -23.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3
Pours a golden color, has plenty of haze to it. Drops 4/5" white head, phenomenal retention. Aroma had all the yeast, plenty of clove, brett was a stretch to find.
Taste was floral, musty, wet hay, citrus, hibiscus. For me there was too much clove to it. Kinda seemed like there was wheat as well.
Way too expensive for what it brings to the table.
★ 357 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3
Pours a golden color, has plenty of haze to it. Drops 4/5" white head, phenomenal retention. Aroma had all the yeast, plenty of clove, brett was a stretch to find.
Taste was floral, musty, wet hay, citrus, hibiscus. For me there was too much clove to it. Kinda seemed like there was wheat as well.
Way too expensive for what it brings to the table.
★ 357 characters
4.16/5 rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
750 ml bottle poured into a pint glass
A: Pours a orange/yellow color with a bright white frothy head, lots of carbonation, lots of lacing, beer is cloudy, looks pretty good.
A: Belgian yeast, spice, clove, touch of citrus, and slight brett funk, picking up some alcohol on the nose, smells pretty complex.
T: Belgian yeast, spice, clove, moderate amount of citrus bitterness in the middle, touch of brett funk at the end, aftertaste is of citrus peel and brett, lots going on, balanced, very tasty.
M: Lots of carbonation, medium/light bodied with smooth mouthfeel, dry finish.
O: Really enjoyed this one, I like the mix of flavors from citrus, yeast, and the touch of brett, very enjoyable.
★ 697 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
750 ml bottle poured into a pint glass
A: Pours a orange/yellow color with a bright white frothy head, lots of carbonation, lots of lacing, beer is cloudy, looks pretty good.
A: Belgian yeast, spice, clove, touch of citrus, and slight brett funk, picking up some alcohol on the nose, smells pretty complex.
T: Belgian yeast, spice, clove, moderate amount of citrus bitterness in the middle, touch of brett funk at the end, aftertaste is of citrus peel and brett, lots going on, balanced, very tasty.
M: Lots of carbonation, medium/light bodied with smooth mouthfeel, dry finish.
O: Really enjoyed this one, I like the mix of flavors from citrus, yeast, and the touch of brett, very enjoyable.
★ 697 characters
3.46/5 rDev -12.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
This beer is much better as it warms. Look is nice yellow, highly carbonated beer. Smell is belgin hops. Taste is lacking when cold, but improves with time. The spice flavors mellow with warmth. Feel is nice, but over carbonated. A good beer, nothing more.
★ 262 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
This beer is much better as it warms. Look is nice yellow, highly carbonated beer. Smell is belgin hops. Taste is lacking when cold, but improves with time. The spice flavors mellow with warmth. Feel is nice, but over carbonated. A good beer, nothing more.
★ 262 characters
4.5/5 rDev +13.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
L: Pours hazy straw gold under a pillowy persistent clingy white foam collar.
S: The cork releases with a ferocious pop wafting up Belgian ale yeast and declaring just a faint touch of funk and over ripe fruit. As it fills the glass herbal, floral, earthy hop aromas rise.
T: Light lemony biscuit with light fruit and traces of caramel and citrus.
F: Very rich creamy texture with medium to medium full body, medium high carbonation. Carbonation is very soft.
O: A complex yet well balanced beer that is a delight to drink.
★ 527 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
L: Pours hazy straw gold under a pillowy persistent clingy white foam collar.
S: The cork releases with a ferocious pop wafting up Belgian ale yeast and declaring just a faint touch of funk and over ripe fruit. As it fills the glass herbal, floral, earthy hop aromas rise.
T: Light lemony biscuit with light fruit and traces of caramel and citrus.
F: Very rich creamy texture with medium to medium full body, medium high carbonation. Carbonation is very soft.
O: A complex yet well balanced beer that is a delight to drink.
★ 527 characters
3.63/5 rDev -8.6%
look: 2.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5
A: Hazy Orange with slight cloudiness
S: Citrus and yeast are the most prevalent
T: Really smooth finish, slight bitterness at the end, can taste some of the spiciness from the pepper
M: Slight Carbonation, creaminess
O: First time trying a beer of this sorts. I liked the taste of Saison and this beer does not fail to uphold to the others that I have tried. I will definitely purchase another bottle of this beer when given the chance.
★ 444 characters
look: 2.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5
A: Hazy Orange with slight cloudiness
S: Citrus and yeast are the most prevalent
T: Really smooth finish, slight bitterness at the end, can taste some of the spiciness from the pepper
M: Slight Carbonation, creaminess
O: First time trying a beer of this sorts. I liked the taste of Saison and this beer does not fail to uphold to the others that I have tried. I will definitely purchase another bottle of this beer when given the chance.
★ 444 characters
4.15/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
On tap served in a tulip glass.
Appearance: turbid orange with a pale white head
Nose: citrus, malty sweetness, fruity notes with a Brett driven farmhouse tang and funk.
Taste: crisp and refereshing, tart and rangy fromvthr Brett at bottling, chorus, pear, orange zest, well carbonated from the tap.
Overall: this is my first beer from the Lost Abbey. I think it's a great saison and would like to try it with some age to let the funky Brett flavors develop.
★ 465 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
On tap served in a tulip glass.
Appearance: turbid orange with a pale white head
Nose: citrus, malty sweetness, fruity notes with a Brett driven farmhouse tang and funk.
Taste: crisp and refereshing, tart and rangy fromvthr Brett at bottling, chorus, pear, orange zest, well carbonated from the tap.
Overall: this is my first beer from the Lost Abbey. I think it's a great saison and would like to try it with some age to let the funky Brett flavors develop.
★ 465 characters
4/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into my Lost Abbey Teku glass.
A - Pours a hazy golden orange. White soapy head that sticks around and some lacing.
S - Aroma is citrus and yeast.
T - Tastes like a Belgian ale with a peppery bite, a little sour and a slightly bitter finish. No citrus at this point.
M - Dry, light body with a fair amount of carbonation.
O - Very good saison with a little twist. This bottle is almost a year old now and is tasting just like they said it would.
★ 456 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into my Lost Abbey Teku glass.
A - Pours a hazy golden orange. White soapy head that sticks around and some lacing.
S - Aroma is citrus and yeast.
T - Tastes like a Belgian ale with a peppery bite, a little sour and a slightly bitter finish. No citrus at this point.
M - Dry, light body with a fair amount of carbonation.
O - Very good saison with a little twist. This bottle is almost a year old now and is tasting just like they said it would.
★ 456 characters
3.86/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
On tap at Lost Abbey in San Marcos, CA.
A- Medium golden-yellow body, orange hued. One finger white head, plenty of retention and lacing.
S- Citrus- orange, lemons- a bit of grainy funk, peppercorn, coriander. Nice, clean and crisp aromas.
F- Peppercorns, a bit less of the citrus on the palate, grainy malt, a bit of leather and hay but not a significant amount.
M- Light bodied, moderately carbonated. Dry, mild bitter citrus finish. Nice and drinkable.
O- Decent saison that is drinkable and tasty. The citrusy hops work well with the brettanomyces here.
Final score: 3.85
★ 582 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
On tap at Lost Abbey in San Marcos, CA.
A- Medium golden-yellow body, orange hued. One finger white head, plenty of retention and lacing.
S- Citrus- orange, lemons- a bit of grainy funk, peppercorn, coriander. Nice, clean and crisp aromas.
F- Peppercorns, a bit less of the citrus on the palate, grainy malt, a bit of leather and hay but not a significant amount.
M- Light bodied, moderately carbonated. Dry, mild bitter citrus finish. Nice and drinkable.
O- Decent saison that is drinkable and tasty. The citrusy hops work well with the brettanomyces here.
Final score: 3.85
★ 582 characters
3.95/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Pours a light orange colour, steady bead. Head is very whispy, clumpy and disappointing, just leaving a few bubbles on the glass. Interesting, but not VERY interesting.
Smells Bretty and earthy and interesting. Funny kind of honey-soy savoury character, with a touch of chilli. Mostly funky barnyard though, touch of acidity; some lime, maybe even a touch of smoke. Really, very beautiful smell. Mango on the edge. It keeps presenting new stuff to me! Gorgeous.
Taste is kind of a crash back to earth. It's not bad, but it just seems generic after the vista of possibilities raised by the aroma. Saisony, with some phenolic, medicinal notes - touch of copper on there as well - some white pepper, white peach skin, wet lucerne and horse blanket bitterness late. Pretty nice, but wow that smell was something else, and this is just...something.
Little thin, but a bit of pull possibly from yeast and carbonation adds texture. Doesn't quite fill the mouth.
Nice spring saison. Tastes like there's a bright golden haze on the meadow.
★ 1,034 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Pours a light orange colour, steady bead. Head is very whispy, clumpy and disappointing, just leaving a few bubbles on the glass. Interesting, but not VERY interesting.
Smells Bretty and earthy and interesting. Funny kind of honey-soy savoury character, with a touch of chilli. Mostly funky barnyard though, touch of acidity; some lime, maybe even a touch of smoke. Really, very beautiful smell. Mango on the edge. It keeps presenting new stuff to me! Gorgeous.
Taste is kind of a crash back to earth. It's not bad, but it just seems generic after the vista of possibilities raised by the aroma. Saisony, with some phenolic, medicinal notes - touch of copper on there as well - some white pepper, white peach skin, wet lucerne and horse blanket bitterness late. Pretty nice, but wow that smell was something else, and this is just...something.
Little thin, but a bit of pull possibly from yeast and carbonation adds texture. Doesn't quite fill the mouth.
Nice spring saison. Tastes like there's a bright golden haze on the meadow.
★ 1,034 characters
4.23/5 rDev +6.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured from the corked and caged bomber into a tulip glass.
Flows into the glass a cloudy and lovely orange-gold with lots of bubbly, foamy head that dissipates into some lovely Belgian lace all down the glass.
The aroma is wonderful: The great Belgian yeast as well as some nice fruitiness, a hint of pepper and bread and a nice underlying funk.
This beer tastes great! Love the up-front character of the big Belgian yeast as well as the fruit tastes: peach, apple, a little pear and a bit of sweet orange. Also a nice farmyard funk underneath and a very nice lingering bitter that, I'm assuming, comes from the American hops. Very crisp and tasty. A hint of warming alcohol as well.
Overall, I think this is a wonderful Saison that I would be happy to drink again.
★ 770 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured from the corked and caged bomber into a tulip glass.
Flows into the glass a cloudy and lovely orange-gold with lots of bubbly, foamy head that dissipates into some lovely Belgian lace all down the glass.
The aroma is wonderful: The great Belgian yeast as well as some nice fruitiness, a hint of pepper and bread and a nice underlying funk.
This beer tastes great! Love the up-front character of the big Belgian yeast as well as the fruit tastes: peach, apple, a little pear and a bit of sweet orange. Also a nice farmyard funk underneath and a very nice lingering bitter that, I'm assuming, comes from the American hops. Very crisp and tasty. A hint of warming alcohol as well.
Overall, I think this is a wonderful Saison that I would be happy to drink again.
★ 770 characters
4.02/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a slightly hazed golden straw color with white head and plenty of lacing. The aroma is full of yeast driven esters giving off both fruity, winesque and earthy aromas. Some hay, bread, not too much funk but undeniably Belgian in nature.
The taste follows suit with an earthy, bready character, a touch of spice, but mainly a very expressive Belgian yeast strain. Borders on tart but never really gets there. Medium bodied, highly carbonated feel. Overall, this is a really solid Belgian style ale.
★ 503 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a slightly hazed golden straw color with white head and plenty of lacing. The aroma is full of yeast driven esters giving off both fruity, winesque and earthy aromas. Some hay, bread, not too much funk but undeniably Belgian in nature.
The taste follows suit with an earthy, bready character, a touch of spice, but mainly a very expressive Belgian yeast strain. Borders on tart but never really gets there. Medium bodied, highly carbonated feel. Overall, this is a really solid Belgian style ale.
★ 503 characters
4.06/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
750ml brown corked and caged bottle purchased from BevMo in Sunnyvale, CA. Brought back to Sydney where I cracked it with Sam and Chris during a brewday.
Pours a bright yellow-golden colour, with solid hazing and a crackling, aerated head that foams itself out of existence pretty quickly. A fine mesh of white lace lingers atop the glass. Body is light and fluid. Carbonation is fine. Looks pretty good overall.
Nose is clean and bright, with some crisp funk that doesn't really get earthy or horsey. Some peach character comes through with a sweetness that reminds me a little of clipped grass. High carbonation is also noticeable here until it runs out of steam. Overall, it's a very pleasant nose though.
Taste is clean and bright, but certainly sweeter than many saisons. The peach character again runs through from middle to back, giving a slightly jammy character on the finish. Beyond this is a hint of pepper, and on the front is the earthiness of the funk that never really expressed itself fully on the palate. Alcohol is very well hidden—American saisons can often feel a little blunt, which allows the booze to show a little more, but there's none of that here.
Feel is great. Smooth but bright.
Overall, this is a really drinkable, and very enjoyable saison. There's a cleanness to the funk, and a smoothness from the additional sweetness. The peach character is what sets it apart, and it's a fine character for a saison. Very nice indeed.
★ 1,461 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
750ml brown corked and caged bottle purchased from BevMo in Sunnyvale, CA. Brought back to Sydney where I cracked it with Sam and Chris during a brewday.
Pours a bright yellow-golden colour, with solid hazing and a crackling, aerated head that foams itself out of existence pretty quickly. A fine mesh of white lace lingers atop the glass. Body is light and fluid. Carbonation is fine. Looks pretty good overall.
Nose is clean and bright, with some crisp funk that doesn't really get earthy or horsey. Some peach character comes through with a sweetness that reminds me a little of clipped grass. High carbonation is also noticeable here until it runs out of steam. Overall, it's a very pleasant nose though.
Taste is clean and bright, but certainly sweeter than many saisons. The peach character again runs through from middle to back, giving a slightly jammy character on the finish. Beyond this is a hint of pepper, and on the front is the earthiness of the funk that never really expressed itself fully on the palate. Alcohol is very well hidden—American saisons can often feel a little blunt, which allows the booze to show a little more, but there's none of that here.
Feel is great. Smooth but bright.
Overall, this is a really drinkable, and very enjoyable saison. There's a cleanness to the funk, and a smoothness from the additional sweetness. The peach character is what sets it apart, and it's a fine character for a saison. Very nice indeed.
★ 1,461 characters
4.45/5 rDev +12.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
pour: got a murky golden color liquid with a soapy thick foam head. This reminds me of a belgium style brew just by the pour you can tell.
smell: you get a sweet smell that is quite lovely.
taste: a nice blend of sour sweet and spice. More sweet then anything this is a nice brew by lost abbey. There is a nice fruitiness that is on this beer that makes it easy to drink and being a 6.5 abv its always good to make it easy to drink.
Overall: The spice is really nice on this not too harsh where it kills the taste just a nice smooth brew all the way through.
★ 563 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
pour: got a murky golden color liquid with a soapy thick foam head. This reminds me of a belgium style brew just by the pour you can tell.
smell: you get a sweet smell that is quite lovely.
taste: a nice blend of sour sweet and spice. More sweet then anything this is a nice brew by lost abbey. There is a nice fruitiness that is on this beer that makes it easy to drink and being a 6.5 abv its always good to make it easy to drink.
Overall: The spice is really nice on this not too harsh where it kills the taste just a nice smooth brew all the way through.
★ 563 characters
4.13/5 rDev +4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
a: hazy bright burnt orange with some buttery looking notes making it look extremely smooth. large 4 finger bubbly, frothy bright white head
s: earthy grains, green pears, coriander, nice spicy Belgian yeast, white grapes, and some nice funk to round it out
t: i pick up the fruit and slight funk right away. pears, white grapes and apples. sweet lemongrass. quite a big malt presence in here - sweet caramel. ends with those refined earthy grains. at the very back of the tongue i pick up some bitterness, can't nail down from what. it feels earthy, like a tea leaf
m: medium with a lot of carbonation. really fizzes in your mouth, and you feel it in your belly
o: first thing i noticed when tasting was that i wished it had the same spice presence in the flavor as it had in the nose. some coriander in the flavor would have really made this pop. all the flavors in here are nice, and this is a seriously good drinker - would have just like some spice & some more funk to harmonize the sweet green fruits. that being said, this is still quite delicious
★ 1,058 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
a: hazy bright burnt orange with some buttery looking notes making it look extremely smooth. large 4 finger bubbly, frothy bright white head
s: earthy grains, green pears, coriander, nice spicy Belgian yeast, white grapes, and some nice funk to round it out
t: i pick up the fruit and slight funk right away. pears, white grapes and apples. sweet lemongrass. quite a big malt presence in here - sweet caramel. ends with those refined earthy grains. at the very back of the tongue i pick up some bitterness, can't nail down from what. it feels earthy, like a tea leaf
m: medium with a lot of carbonation. really fizzes in your mouth, and you feel it in your belly
o: first thing i noticed when tasting was that i wished it had the same spice presence in the flavor as it had in the nose. some coriander in the flavor would have really made this pop. all the flavors in here are nice, and this is a seriously good drinker - would have just like some spice & some more funk to harmonize the sweet green fruits. that being said, this is still quite delicious
★ 1,058 characters
3.87/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Type: 750ml bottle (25.4 oz.)
Glass: Stone Ruination IPA pint glass
From: Costco in in Mission Valley (San Diego), Calif.
Price: $6.64
Purchased: May 12, 2014
Consumed: May 12, 2014
Misc.: Cork and twist
Poured a golden, straw, hazy color with five fingers of bubbly, foamy, white head. A few lines of bubbles coming up from the bottom on sides of the glass. Minimal lacing along the sides of the glass. Minimal retention.
Smelled a plethora of flavors. Got sour fruit, banana, kiwi, apple, grape, caramel, honey, bubblegum, floral hops, peppery spice and melon.
Tasted pretty close to the smell. Got sour fruit, apple, grape, kiwi, honey, caramel, slight butterscotch, Belgian spices and lemon grass.
Light body. Oily texture. Average-to-lively carbonation. Fruity finish.
A good Saison for sure. I’d have it again.
★ 825 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Type: 750ml bottle (25.4 oz.)
Glass: Stone Ruination IPA pint glass
From: Costco in in Mission Valley (San Diego), Calif.
Price: $6.64
Purchased: May 12, 2014
Consumed: May 12, 2014
Misc.: Cork and twist
Poured a golden, straw, hazy color with five fingers of bubbly, foamy, white head. A few lines of bubbles coming up from the bottom on sides of the glass. Minimal lacing along the sides of the glass. Minimal retention.
Smelled a plethora of flavors. Got sour fruit, banana, kiwi, apple, grape, caramel, honey, bubblegum, floral hops, peppery spice and melon.
Tasted pretty close to the smell. Got sour fruit, apple, grape, kiwi, honey, caramel, slight butterscotch, Belgian spices and lemon grass.
Light body. Oily texture. Average-to-lively carbonation. Fruity finish.
A good Saison for sure. I’d have it again.
★ 825 characters
4.03/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Served in a pint glass at Estelle's in Boston.
Appearance: A one finger head was poured that reduced to a thin layer. It is a hazy pale yellow with some clarity of bubbles coming up through the glass. Super nice lacing on the glass as the beer was drank.
Smell: Pepper, yeasty, vanilla, bready, a little funk, and citrus.
Taste: Same as above with a little bitterness and tart notes.
Mouthfeel: Dry, light bodied, medium to high carbonation, a little chewy, mild bitterness, and delicious
Overall: Pretty solid Saison with a little funk and tart to it. I dig it.
★ 568 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Served in a pint glass at Estelle's in Boston.
Appearance: A one finger head was poured that reduced to a thin layer. It is a hazy pale yellow with some clarity of bubbles coming up through the glass. Super nice lacing on the glass as the beer was drank.
Smell: Pepper, yeasty, vanilla, bready, a little funk, and citrus.
Taste: Same as above with a little bitterness and tart notes.
Mouthfeel: Dry, light bodied, medium to high carbonation, a little chewy, mild bitterness, and delicious
Overall: Pretty solid Saison with a little funk and tart to it. I dig it.
★ 568 characters
3.74/5 rDev -5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
650 mL bottle poured into a snifter.
Appearance - Hazy pale orange yellow. Medium white head. Thin layer of foam.
Smell - Bretty. Bright fruity esters. A bit of stone fruit. Lots of pale malt. Peppery.
Taste - Fruity. Peachy. Pale malt. Earthy brett. Mild bitterness and some white pepper.
Mouthfeel - High carbonation. Earthy bitterness along with the bright fruitiness.
Overall - Nice juxtaposition of flavors.
★ 418 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
650 mL bottle poured into a snifter.
Appearance - Hazy pale orange yellow. Medium white head. Thin layer of foam.
Smell - Bretty. Bright fruity esters. A bit of stone fruit. Lots of pale malt. Peppery.
Taste - Fruity. Peachy. Pale malt. Earthy brett. Mild bitterness and some white pepper.
Mouthfeel - High carbonation. Earthy bitterness along with the bright fruitiness.
Overall - Nice juxtaposition of flavors.
★ 418 characters
4.06/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
750ml C&C bottle split two ways – GF Le Freak Tulip glass for me
Notes taken on 03/14/14
A: Saffron yellow body clouded with a bit of yeast haze. Plenty of carb produces a billowy mass of course khaki suds that slips down to a chunky thick halo. Large globules of stick run down the glass.
S: Fragrant banana like esters on the nose with some fruity bubblegum, spices, and freshly sliced golden fruits. Pear and crisp apples come to mind. Lightly sweet with some earthy musk and a bit of alfalfa but not particularly Brett forward. No funk here at least. Smells like a solid Belgian to me with its pronounced yeast and peppery spice notes.
T: Fresh golden fruit with a mild tartness, dry grass, and cracked peppercorns give way to some really bright citrus underpins. Yeast is incorporated nicely with the bubblegum and spice. A light honey cracker malt base provides some supple sweetness and good counter balance to the other flavors. Floral hops lead to a finish of some earthy mineral like qualities but nothing about this screams funk. It’s a more restrained use of the Brett like Rayon Vert. Very smooth and dry with alcohol completely disguised. Crisp and flavorful yet simple in its approach. Totally refreshing.
M: Light to moderate body. Frothy feel with an upper level of prickly carbonation. Very dry in the finish as to be expected with the style. A nice clean retreat in the end.
D: Better than I was expecting. I am not big on Saisons in general so I often passed up on this one but this is darn tasty and incredibly refreshing. Very well done with good balance sans some of those sharp smoky phenols many Saisons can produce.
Drinks more like a hoppy Trippel if you ask me…which is probably why I am digging this.
★ 1,743 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
750ml C&C bottle split two ways – GF Le Freak Tulip glass for me
Notes taken on 03/14/14
A: Saffron yellow body clouded with a bit of yeast haze. Plenty of carb produces a billowy mass of course khaki suds that slips down to a chunky thick halo. Large globules of stick run down the glass.
S: Fragrant banana like esters on the nose with some fruity bubblegum, spices, and freshly sliced golden fruits. Pear and crisp apples come to mind. Lightly sweet with some earthy musk and a bit of alfalfa but not particularly Brett forward. No funk here at least. Smells like a solid Belgian to me with its pronounced yeast and peppery spice notes.
T: Fresh golden fruit with a mild tartness, dry grass, and cracked peppercorns give way to some really bright citrus underpins. Yeast is incorporated nicely with the bubblegum and spice. A light honey cracker malt base provides some supple sweetness and good counter balance to the other flavors. Floral hops lead to a finish of some earthy mineral like qualities but nothing about this screams funk. It’s a more restrained use of the Brett like Rayon Vert. Very smooth and dry with alcohol completely disguised. Crisp and flavorful yet simple in its approach. Totally refreshing.
M: Light to moderate body. Frothy feel with an upper level of prickly carbonation. Very dry in the finish as to be expected with the style. A nice clean retreat in the end.
D: Better than I was expecting. I am not big on Saisons in general so I often passed up on this one but this is darn tasty and incredibly refreshing. Very well done with good balance sans some of those sharp smoky phenols many Saisons can produce.
Drinks more like a hoppy Trippel if you ask me…which is probably why I am digging this.
★ 1,743 characters
4.65/5 rDev +17.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Bomber served in a snifter glass
A: perfect straw colored beer, cloudy. large head, lots of carbonation coming from the bottom
S: barnyard funk, light hop. lighter malty bready smell. i think pilsner malts, not positive. Lots going on in it.
T: I think this tastes exactly how a saison should taste. Sweet, funky, fruity, spicey. Theres just sooo much going on and it blends so well.
M: Good, very refreshing, high carbonation like all bottled conditioned saisons
O: Love this saison, one of my favorites for the reason it is strictly just a simply brewed saison nothing extra. Everything that comes through in the flavor and smell is from the yeast doing its marvelous job.
★ 677 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Bomber served in a snifter glass
A: perfect straw colored beer, cloudy. large head, lots of carbonation coming from the bottom
S: barnyard funk, light hop. lighter malty bready smell. i think pilsner malts, not positive. Lots going on in it.
T: I think this tastes exactly how a saison should taste. Sweet, funky, fruity, spicey. Theres just sooo much going on and it blends so well.
M: Good, very refreshing, high carbonation like all bottled conditioned saisons
O: Love this saison, one of my favorites for the reason it is strictly just a simply brewed saison nothing extra. Everything that comes through in the flavor and smell is from the yeast doing its marvelous job.
★ 677 characters
3.56/5 rDev -10.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours half finger of head on a clear light golden colored body.
The aroma is smokey applesauce, soap, lemon and pear all mixed up in a nice way.
The taste is sharp, approaching bitter. Retains bright fruit: apple and pear.
Crisp texture with moderate carbonation.
Pleasant and enjoyable.
★ 287 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours half finger of head on a clear light golden colored body.
The aroma is smokey applesauce, soap, lemon and pear all mixed up in a nice way.
The taste is sharp, approaching bitter. Retains bright fruit: apple and pear.
Crisp texture with moderate carbonation.
Pleasant and enjoyable.
★ 287 characters
4.05/5 rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
The first pour was nearly clear yellow with a big pillowy head. The last pour was opaque, swimming with yeast.
A pleasant fruitiness dominates the nose. Apple and pear, rich malt, slight vinegar-brett-funk.
Rich complex malts in taste, hints of citrus, ripe juicy pear, brett-funk and concrete dryness.
Extraordinary carbonation, better than champagne. Juicy, with a very long dry finish.
Excellent farmhouse ale from Tomme and the Abbey.
★ 442 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
The first pour was nearly clear yellow with a big pillowy head. The last pour was opaque, swimming with yeast.
A pleasant fruitiness dominates the nose. Apple and pear, rich malt, slight vinegar-brett-funk.
Rich complex malts in taste, hints of citrus, ripe juicy pear, brett-funk and concrete dryness.
Extraordinary carbonation, better than champagne. Juicy, with a very long dry finish.
Excellent farmhouse ale from Tomme and the Abbey.
★ 442 characters
3.89/5 rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Thanks to rudzud for sharing, 2009 vintage when it was with Brett.
Light fizzy foamy head covering, light lacing, mostly clear golden honey color.
Nose nice golden ale to start, sweet like golden malts, light fruity esters like golden apple, light peppery yeasty touch, mild Brett funk, with an almost creamy, hint citrus lemon zest,
Taste mild Brett very little, mood horse hair funk, golden apple light fruity ester, hint peppery yeast, nice honey character, light sweet honey malt and golden malt character. Mild grassy bitterness, nectar like flavors. Finish is dry and bit of floral hop, more golden apple and honey light sweet malt lingering.
Mouth is med to lighter bod, lighter but decent enough carb.
Overall not bad but very little Brett. Age didn't seem to do much.
★ 781 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Thanks to rudzud for sharing, 2009 vintage when it was with Brett.
Light fizzy foamy head covering, light lacing, mostly clear golden honey color.
Nose nice golden ale to start, sweet like golden malts, light fruity esters like golden apple, light peppery yeasty touch, mild Brett funk, with an almost creamy, hint citrus lemon zest,
Taste mild Brett very little, mood horse hair funk, golden apple light fruity ester, hint peppery yeast, nice honey character, light sweet honey malt and golden malt character. Mild grassy bitterness, nectar like flavors. Finish is dry and bit of floral hop, more golden apple and honey light sweet malt lingering.
Mouth is med to lighter bod, lighter but decent enough carb.
Overall not bad but very little Brett. Age didn't seem to do much.
★ 781 characters
Carnevale from The Lost Abbey
3.97
out of 5
based on 790 ratings.
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Bright gold beer with a pillowy white head and streams of bubbles coming from the bottom of the glass that never end. The smell is sweet, funky, bright citrus, banana and clove. This is a really nice beer.
★ 205 characters