Stateside Saison - Calendula Flower, Schisandra Berries, & French Oak
Stillwater Artisanal Ales

Out of a pin at Max's last night.

Orange and hazy, this beer has a thin white head with good retention and nice lacing. While not as attractive as the Chamomile version, it smells so different and every bit as good. Mildly oaky with vanilla, there's a berry tartness that's apparent. This aspect is unique, the berries appear to be some blend of gooseberries and cherries. Mellow floral character with an earthy, saffron, rose petal like character. While not as balanced as the Chamomile, this is still exceptional. The hops are noticeable too, and the result of all these adjuncts is a mild obscuration of the base saison.
The palate opens with a very interesting blend of oak, floral character and the berries. The tartness and fruitiness is particularly unique, even in the wide pantheon of berries. Earthy hops come through on the finish, this dries up leaving a blend of hops, light tartness and a noticeable but light gooseberry character. Light in body this is just a touch watery. Excellent stuff

Beer is orangish yellow and really hazy. There is no head, no lacing, and almost no carbonation. This is the fourth version of this beer I've had and this is the least impressive showing from them.

Aroma is sweet and citrusy. There is some hint of flowers but I don't know what Calendula Flower is suppose to smell like. The beer overall smells pretty good.

This beer is super smooth, very sweet (which is a turnoff) and has a strong flowery bitterness to it, maybe that's the Calendula Flower. There is no aftertaste, it finishes nicely and not dry. Drinkability is good but the beer overall is pretty flat.