Saison Ellende
Upright Brewing Company

 

 

upright continues to be one of my favorite breweries because of beers like this, subtle, fermentation forward, unique as can be, and of the absolute finest quality, i really cant get enough of their stuff, and i am loving the proliferation of these little bottles! this really is fabulous. the red wine and the walnut liquor are unique in here, and this definitely has an amaro character to it right away in the nose, some intense botanical bitterness, almost a cocktail bitters vibe too, some orange notes to the honey colored brew, some dark dried fruits, and even peach in the aroma as well. there is saison yeast here thats rustic and old worldy, but clean, slightly estery with lime leaf and lemongrass notes, and there is also some farmy brett at work which is cool with the sweet dessert wine aspect of this, and with the botanicals as well, very complex from start to finish, and constantly changing, i notice new things on each sip of this one, and find myself wishing for more when its gone. im not totally sure i taste walnut the way i smell it here, the citrus and herbal character runs over it just a bit, but its essence remains, super earthy, especially with all the oak, the starchy rice in the mash, and saison yeast. more and more wine as it warms, faint tartness, dried apricot, jasmine and elderflower, and a grappa thing. it sounds like too much on paper, but the blend is cohesive and nuanced to max, i adore it, and am sure the brett will do more and more in the bottle over time. gorgeous beer, something only upright could have done. among the best saisons i have had this year!

As with many of Uprights offerings, this is stunning. A gorgeous shimmering 24k golden color is embedded with rows of continuously rising bubbles supporting a champagne like cap, yet smooth not coarse. With each little movement, spots come and go from the ring of glass.

A harmony between barrel and tart aromas are quite intoxicating. The Pinot Noir presesnce is most notable, boasting a good amount of tart grape skins and virgin oak. Lemon juice and zest of lime. Touches of sweat and must. Wildly funky, yet refined smells.

A wonderful addition of peppercorns really boosts the classic peppery finish often found in saisons, wilds, and such. The spicy contributor cuts through the tart green apples, citrus, and wood at just the right moment, before the acidic finish comes full circle. Flavors of light syrup, salt, herbs, mint, grain, and a unique nuttiness come and go in a flash with each sip.

Everything is just right. Tart and sour, but not abrasive. Subtly sweet and salty. A light but lifting carbonation. And a tannic, oak influenced dry finish. Easy to sip, easy to savor.

Upright rarely, if ever, disappoints. Saison Ellende is no exception, and perhaps even one of the best I've had from these incredible brewers. Whatever they are doing, they're doing it right. Cheers.

 

Bottle from the brewery.

A clear light orange with a dense white head with good retention and lacing this looks great. The nose is intriguing with a blend of walnut, pinot noir, bitters and a surprisingly deep dark fruit character. This is juxtaposed against a light funk note, a blend of Brett hay and clove. Excellent. The palate opens sour and funky with a mild lactic and noticeable Brett based clove and hay note. This is followed by a mild wine note, fruity and mildly tannic. Mild lemon notes are present. Walnut and bitters notes appear on the finish, with a noticeable bitter orange and orange peel note. Medium light in body, a little thin on the finish, this beer is moderately carbonated. Adding the dregs, adds a little more body. Excellent flavor on the finish. Tannins are reserved. As the beer warms up, the nocino and pinot noir really play off each other quite wonderfully, and the deeper fruity note from the Muscat. A blend of berries, grapes and raisins is present. A unique brew, highly recommended.