Grasslands Saison (Tropical White Wine)
Al's of Hampden / Pizza Boy Brewing

A - Two plus fingers worth of audibly fizzy crisp off white colored head... Modest retention gives way to a splotchy lace and thing collar... The color is a vibrant light-to-medium gold with some faint amber undertones... A moderate bit of moderate paced carbonation...

S - An exquisite nose to start... Equal parts Belgian yeast, tropical fruits, and white wine barrels... Nothing takes center stage... Nothing takes a back seat... Everything works together in a harmonious fashion...

T - The nose was a good indicator of what to expect on the palate, but not as harmonious... The white wine takes the lead a bit and the Saison notes a slight back seat... The tropical fruits linger beneath the surface and are quite pleasant... Oakey... The dryness of the white wine barrels emerge on the finish and add tons of depth and complexity... Each sip an interesting new nuance...

M - Medium bodied... Surprisingly dense... A touch of dryness... Has some ginger ale like qualities... Even and consistent... A slight bite to the finish...

D - An interesting and well crafted offering from Al and Terry... It may not be on of the sour offerings that folk clamor for, but it is an outstanding beer... Balance is the key to this one... The entire package proves to be a bit more than the some of its parts... Highly enjoyable and highly recommended if you can still find a bottle anywhere...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bottle at Al’s of Hampden. Pours hazy golden yellow with a half finger tall white head, quickly dissipating down to a light film, leaving minimal lace on the glass.

Smells of tropical fruit zest, mild basement must and light barnyard funk, wet hay, cake-y saison yeast, woody oak, vinous white wine grapes and some lightly toasted grain. Taste is pretty much the same. The tropical fruitiness and light musty funk is front and center quickly being joined by the vinous grape and woody oak and finally the other flavors. Smooth feel with lots of dryness from the barrel.

A very nice play on the base saison. The tropical fruit aroma and taste mixes well with the base saison. With a bit more time to develop I think this one could be really good.

750ml bottle consumed onsite at pizza boy. Poured into a matching 8oz wine glass. The brew appears a clouded yellow color with creamy white head that maintains well. As you get towards the bottom of the bottle...wow it becomes clouded yet bright yellow like highliter fluid/mango puree.

The aroma is lemony lactic with a mild hint of greek yogurt and barrel notes that are neutral and woody. Without reading the description, id never know this was wine barrel aged.

The taste includes oak blending to vanilla and more barrel character. As it warms up, more focus is put on lemon and an herbal grassiness and finishes with a neutral woodiness.

This is light bodied with pleasant carbonation that lasts. A nice mixture of lemony and grassy quality that is easy drinking. Not bad but for the price im not sure how frequently id put up for a bottle of this.