Dark Saison
5 Seasons Westside

 

A dark and murky brown with a slightly off-white and soapy head that quickly fades to a ring. Reluctant lacing around the edges that turns sporadic.

Pleasant aromas of roasted malts, caramel and spiced fruits.

A mouthful of well balanced esters intertwined with a comforting malt presence. Like a Belgian winter warmer. Spicy, malty and not as dry as the style would typically denote.

Light-medium body with adequate carbonation. Bubbly, but not overdone.

This beer is enjoyable, but I feel it's demos may stem from it's label as a saison. Simply called a Belgian strong dark ale it would be flawless.

On-tap at the brewpub.

Pours a hazy purplish-brown color with a one-finger off-white head. The head recedes into a wispy layer on top leaving solid lacing.

Smells of muted medium malts with good amounts of dark fruits - raisins and dried figs mostly. Also present are faint green apple aromas.

Tastes similar to how it smells. Moderately sweet medium malt flavors kick things off and are joined almost immediately by sugar-dusted dark fruit flavors. The dark fruits lighten up a bit midway through the sip with the addition of green apple and small amounts of pear. The fruit flavors carry through to a crisp ending.

Mouthfeel is good. It's got a nice thickness with smooth carbonation.

Drinkability is also good. I didn't have a problem finishing my glass and could have another.

Overall this was just a crisp but not quite as complex as the other saisons I've had here (Saison du Bob and Cinq) however it's still a solid beer. Worth a shot.