Columbus Single Hop Saison
Dave's BrewFarm

Dave's BrewFarm Columbus Single Hop Saison, ABV 6.4%.

Clear and golden-hued, under a light, soon-gone head.

Aroma: Fruity esters shine, mingled with Belgian funk. Saison yeast is strong here, and the Columbus hops bring the citric notes, the lemon and orange. A little sweet, a little bit bitter, and just enough of the wild. Mmm, nice.

Taste: It's here on the palate, bright citrus-y hop goodness, and the saison yeast. Whole lot of yum in here, simply put. Lean body, long hoppy finish. Lot of interplay on the tongue, many intermingling sensations. Stays fruity and bitter, ultimately ends on the dry side.

Here's a little description from Dave the Farmer man himself: "Showcasing a single hop variety in a Saison yeast. Two separate additions of Columbus hops, Pils, Cara Red and Caramel 20 malts."

This is a good one, perhaps my favorite single hop saison from the DBF, perhaps because this is one of the classic C hops (i.e. Centennial, Cascade, etc.) that delivers that citric hoppiness I enjoy so well.

A Columbus single hop feels like the perfect beer to celebrate the USA's 2-0 win over Mexico in Columbus, Ohio, that qualifies them for the 2014 World Cup! Label says "Showcasing a single hop variety in a Saison yeast. Two separate additions of Columbus hops. Pils, Cara Red and Caramel 20 malts." Growler picked up last weekend at the BrewFarm. Tasted 10 September 2013.

Pours a clear medium-pale golden orange. Pretty color. Just a little visible carbonation. Half-finger of white head, okay retention, nice lacing.

Smell is herbal and spicy, with a little honey sweetness. It's nice, but I'm not picking up a whole lot of saison character. At times it's subtle and delicate, at others it's just faint.

Taste is interesting and varied, but always in the realm of spicy-grainy-bitter. It has a warmth and a mild sweetness that provide nice balance to those sharper flavors. Earthy undertones as well. Persistent bitterness in the finish. Unusual for a saison, and the flavors are dancing to a different tune than most saisons I've had - a distinct hop tilt. But quite nice, all around.

Feel is good. Medium-light body, crisp and refreshing. Carbonation's a little on the low end, but I attribute that to the growler. And it's got enough to get the flavors buzzing.

I really like Dave's single hop beers. And I'm enjoying this one, but it's not one of my favorites. Columbus is an interesting hop, definitely enjoyable, but not outstanding. Earthy, spicy, and lastingly bitter.