Imagination Farmhouse Ale
5 Seasons Westside

 

 

Appearance: Clouded to the point of being opaque, with a dark yellow-orange body with a full inch of creamyish, white foam on top.

Smell: Imagination Farmhouse Ale, alternatively listed simply as IMAGINE, smells of an austere, homey graininess, like a walk through fertile grain fields. A whisper of fruit and dried herbs and spice round out the aroma.

Taste: Cream-brushed wheat and barley bready with a middling degree of sweetness. Thin, fleeting hint of raw honey. Lightly fruity, lightly herbaceous, with even a touch of lavender midway through. Minor bitterness at most. Peppery spiciness remains light. Cream of wheat on the grainy, soft finish.

Mouthfeel: Medium-plus body. Medium carbonation. A bit weighty on the tongue.

Overall: Surprisingly low alcohol. Rustic and hearty, like the beer equivalent of coarse bread.

On-tap at the brewpub.

Pours a hazy golden color with a one-finger white head. The head recedes into a wispy layer on top leaving decent lacing.

Smells of crisp pilsner malts with good amounts of earthy and grassy hops. Also present are musty green apple and pear aromas.

Tastes very similar to how it smells. Smooth pilsner malt flavors kick things off and are joined quickly by ripe pears. Midway through the sip the fruit flavors turn slightly tart with the addition of green apple skin. Finally, moderate amounts of earthy hops come into play before carrying through to a moderately bitter ending.

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

Drinkability is also good. I had no problems finishing my glass and could have another.

Overall I found this very similar to the Golden Boy saison with slightly stronger hop influence - both solid and without bells and whistles. Worth a shot if you see it on and are a fan of the style.