White Cedar Saison
Upslope Brewing Company - Lee Hill

its been a long time since i had a new beer from these guys, but i have always liked upslope, even when it seems like their available beer in the market has stagnated. this one is really nice, totally nailed it, had on today on tap at their production facility. its clear and heady from the tap, deep golden in color and high shine, with a subtle but fragrant nose from the cedar, delicate in a way that makes it real compatible with the yeast in it, a cleaner saison type, estery but not done too warm, not overly french or belgian, simple but good, white pepper and pear notes along with the tree elements, juniper and gin and bitter citrus come out in aroma and flavor, but the grain base is simple and nice, pils and light wheat dominated i am sure, minerals and soft earthiness with the herbal cedar. its not like a closet, all old man and aromatic, but its fresh and woodsy and appealing, and the fermentation is awesome with it. green apple, white wine, pine, its neat, menthol even, crazy fresh. generally i want my saison more rustic and raw, but this is awfully good in its high refinement. better than anything i have had from these guys in way too long...

On draught at Frontier Brewing and Taproom.

It pours a crystal clear pale gold with a big head of foam. Lacing is okay.

Smells like a Saison in the spice department. Light cloves, coriander, cloves building in intensity. Also a bit of a hop kick.

Taste has the spice but I find that the hops Impart a rather bitter bite. More sips in and things calm down with the bitterness.

Nice mouthfeel, good beer.