Cellar Door | Stillwater Artisanal Ales
Brewed by:
Stillwater Artisanal Ales
Maryland, United States
stillwater-artisanal.com
Style: Saison / Farmhouse Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 6.60%
Availability: Summer
Notes / Commercial Description:
Over the ages the term ’cellar door’ has numerously been referred to as the most beautiful term in the English language. Upon setting out to create the first summer addition to the Stateside line up of ales; the feeling that almost instantly came to me was that of beauty & cleansing. Many summer offerings tend to lack the complexity of their bigger, colder season counterparts; so my goal was to craft an ale of extreme balance with a delicate complexity that allows for contemplation while also providing quaffable refreshment. Starting with a base of German wheat & pale malts this crisp slightly hazy foundation was then accented with a blend of Sterling & Citra hops providing a intricate blend of herbal grass & tangerine citrus flavors and aroma. To pull this all together and to complete the ’cleansing’ aspect of my vision I gently finished the ale off with a touch of white sage, lending a mild earthy spice character to the blend. Of course let’s not forget our house saison yeast that brought all the elements together leaving a dry yet intricate finish.
Added by John_M on 05-22-2010
Reviews: 338 | Ratings: 1,185
4.49/5 rDev +10.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from the bottle into a tulip glass.
Gorgeous orb glowing bright yellow to orange color, with an opaque shine to it. Roaring column of carbonation in the middle of the glass with a creamy to frothy two finger bone white head. Creamy retention, and nice settling.
Great bouquet on this beer. Huge notes of sage and herbal spices, sweet herbs, and garden florals. Sweet sucrose and some chewy depth seems to hint as well to match for a sweet herbal bakery sensation, with matching candi sugar. Fantastic.
Palate really sings. Deep peppery notes, coming off with a black pepper and chili like menthol blast. Hot brett a bit, with a stinging feel on the tongue and white wine like fruit body and flavors. Juiced peach, pear, and a good wild earth. Dry tickly tongue sensations on each sip, but with also Belgian sweetness to accompany and balance. Contradictory feel in effervescence and cream.
Overall, totally unexpected, unique tasting, and another great saison and pickup from the Stillwater gang. Why have I never found this before?
★ 1,053 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from the bottle into a tulip glass.
Gorgeous orb glowing bright yellow to orange color, with an opaque shine to it. Roaring column of carbonation in the middle of the glass with a creamy to frothy two finger bone white head. Creamy retention, and nice settling.
Great bouquet on this beer. Huge notes of sage and herbal spices, sweet herbs, and garden florals. Sweet sucrose and some chewy depth seems to hint as well to match for a sweet herbal bakery sensation, with matching candi sugar. Fantastic.
Palate really sings. Deep peppery notes, coming off with a black pepper and chili like menthol blast. Hot brett a bit, with a stinging feel on the tongue and white wine like fruit body and flavors. Juiced peach, pear, and a good wild earth. Dry tickly tongue sensations on each sip, but with also Belgian sweetness to accompany and balance. Contradictory feel in effervescence and cream.
Overall, totally unexpected, unique tasting, and another great saison and pickup from the Stillwater gang. Why have I never found this before?
★ 1,053 characters
4.68/5 rDev +15.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
A: pours a hazy goldenrod with a quickly-dissipating thin white head. leaves fine, pretty ring of lacing, which holds over time. tiny beads of carbonation are visible. maybe slightly clearer than some Saisons.
S: funky, spicy, and grassy. both earthy yeast and light spice dominate initially, much more savory than sweet. malt comes through as the beer warms. slight lemony or citrusy note in the background.
T: very dry Saison. flavor largely mirrors the odor, with musty yeast and horsiness having prominence but not dominating. enough malt base to balance the spice without rendering the drink too sweet, a problem i commonly find with the style. malt becomes more noticeable as the beer breathes, but is balanced with a slight citrusy tang.
M: hardy champagne-like carbonation. it really effervesces on the tongue. fairly thin with a fairly clean finish-- leaves a slight sweet and funky residue. about as good as i could ask for in a Saison.
O: one of the better Saisons i've had. more spicy than sweet; flavor profile, aroma, and carbonation hold up well through a slow drink.
★ 1,104 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
A: pours a hazy goldenrod with a quickly-dissipating thin white head. leaves fine, pretty ring of lacing, which holds over time. tiny beads of carbonation are visible. maybe slightly clearer than some Saisons.
S: funky, spicy, and grassy. both earthy yeast and light spice dominate initially, much more savory than sweet. malt comes through as the beer warms. slight lemony or citrusy note in the background.
T: very dry Saison. flavor largely mirrors the odor, with musty yeast and horsiness having prominence but not dominating. enough malt base to balance the spice without rendering the drink too sweet, a problem i commonly find with the style. malt becomes more noticeable as the beer breathes, but is balanced with a slight citrusy tang.
M: hardy champagne-like carbonation. it really effervesces on the tongue. fairly thin with a fairly clean finish-- leaves a slight sweet and funky residue. about as good as i could ask for in a Saison.
O: one of the better Saisons i've had. more spicy than sweet; flavor profile, aroma, and carbonation hold up well through a slow drink.
★ 1,104 characters
3.6/5 rDev -11.3%
Pours a finger of head on a slightly hazy light straw colored body.
The aroma has a lot of fresh ground black pepper, a little sage and earth.
The taste is peppery, mild grain and lemon bitterness.
The texture is soft and fizzy.
An improvement on the standard wit beer.
★ 270 characters
Pours a finger of head on a slightly hazy light straw colored body.
The aroma has a lot of fresh ground black pepper, a little sage and earth.
The taste is peppery, mild grain and lemon bitterness.
The texture is soft and fizzy.
An improvement on the standard wit beer.
★ 270 characters
4.1/5 rDev +1%
Poured from a twelve oz bottle into a tulip.
Smells of funky saison yeast and very sweet malts. Taste is thankfully not as sweet. Flavor is very spicy, but most of that must come from the yeast if sage is all that's added, and I can't really pick out sage in particular. There is a strong vanilla note throughout also that I didn't expect but enjoyed. Easy drinking but a little too sweet in the finish.
★ 404 characters
Poured from a twelve oz bottle into a tulip.
Smells of funky saison yeast and very sweet malts. Taste is thankfully not as sweet. Flavor is very spicy, but most of that must come from the yeast if sage is all that's added, and I can't really pick out sage in particular. There is a strong vanilla note throughout also that I didn't expect but enjoyed. Easy drinking but a little too sweet in the finish.
★ 404 characters
3.9/5 rDev -3.9%
I can't help but compare this to Tank 7, as I had that just a couple of days ago, and the memory of it is still pretty fresh in my mind.
Cellar Door is a quite tasty saison, but just a little less flavorful than Tank 7. Tank 7 exploded in my mouth with crisp fruitiness. Cellar Door didn't knock me over in the same way, but I savored it, and enjoyed it quite a bit. I thought it was a fairly typical saison; I did not pick up the sage flavors, but that's probably my palate, not the beer.
Stillwater beers are uncommon around here, but I'll be looking for this and other Stillwater beers again.
★ 604 characters
I can't help but compare this to Tank 7, as I had that just a couple of days ago, and the memory of it is still pretty fresh in my mind.
Cellar Door is a quite tasty saison, but just a little less flavorful than Tank 7. Tank 7 exploded in my mouth with crisp fruitiness. Cellar Door didn't knock me over in the same way, but I savored it, and enjoyed it quite a bit. I thought it was a fairly typical saison; I did not pick up the sage flavors, but that's probably my palate, not the beer.
Stillwater beers are uncommon around here, but I'll be looking for this and other Stillwater beers again.
★ 604 characters
4.75/5 rDev +17%
LOOK.
Translucent peach, hardly any head, slow, tiny bubbles.
AROMA.
Lavender and sage up top, citrus pith in the underneath.
BODY and TASTE.
Light on the palette, turns creamy as the bubbles distribute. Moderate grapefruit and hopiness, mingles with sourdough bread, lavender and sage.
AFTERMATH.
Citrus pith bitterness is the last to fade.
FOOD.
Fresh fruit, cheese.
★ 375 characters
LOOK.
Translucent peach, hardly any head, slow, tiny bubbles.
AROMA.
Lavender and sage up top, citrus pith in the underneath.
BODY and TASTE.
Light on the palette, turns creamy as the bubbles distribute. Moderate grapefruit and hopiness, mingles with sourdough bread, lavender and sage.
AFTERMATH.
Citrus pith bitterness is the last to fade.
FOOD.
Fresh fruit, cheese.
★ 375 characters
4.25/5 rDev +4.7%
Bottle.
A: yellow. Mostly clear. Slight haze. Numerous small bubbles rising. White, medium-foamy head. Decent lacing.
S: pear. Esters of banana. Cardamom.
T: banana. Pear. Cardamom. Black pepper. Flowers.
M: high carbonation. Light to medium body. Dry.
O: great saison like farmhouse ale. Balanced well. Will buy again.
★ 338 characters
Bottle.
A: yellow. Mostly clear. Slight haze. Numerous small bubbles rising. White, medium-foamy head. Decent lacing.
S: pear. Esters of banana. Cardamom.
T: banana. Pear. Cardamom. Black pepper. Flowers.
M: high carbonation. Light to medium body. Dry.
O: great saison like farmhouse ale. Balanced well. Will buy again.
★ 338 characters
3.54/5 rDev -12.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A - slightly hazy deep amber with an off white head that quickly dissipates.
S - citric, floral hops. You definitely notice the white sage and wheat. It's much more delicate than the color would indicate.
T - different than your typical floral farmhouse. It has pretty big palate for the style. Apricots, tangerine, and banana give way to a slight wheat profile before the hops clean you out.
M - moderately carbonated with a slight petrol feel. Fairly light on the palate.
This is different for a saison. It's a sage wheat beer on the nose, and a medium bodied IPA on the palate. Interesting, but I'm not sure the whole experience is coherent.
★ 648 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A - slightly hazy deep amber with an off white head that quickly dissipates.
S - citric, floral hops. You definitely notice the white sage and wheat. It's much more delicate than the color would indicate.
T - different than your typical floral farmhouse. It has pretty big palate for the style. Apricots, tangerine, and banana give way to a slight wheat profile before the hops clean you out.
M - moderately carbonated with a slight petrol feel. Fairly light on the palate.
This is different for a saison. It's a sage wheat beer on the nose, and a medium bodied IPA on the palate. Interesting, but I'm not sure the whole experience is coherent.
★ 648 characters
3.95/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Appearance- color is a hazy orange-tan, pours a half finger of white, thin head that dissipates fairly quickly, leaving spotty lacing, bubbles constantly rise to the surface.
Smell- Aroma is very fruity and floral
Taste- Upfront is bold, fruity notes. Pinneapple, tangerines, and white cherries. avery floral,Lager yeast is there, pretty boozy in the finish.
Mouthfeel- Full body, mild carbonation, dry in the end.
Overall- An interesting take on the Saison, has the classic fruity, floral notes of a god Saison, but is also unexpectedly boozy and rich. This is a slow sipper, if you like barley wines and Saisons and are curious to try something in between then this is for you.
★ 683 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Appearance- color is a hazy orange-tan, pours a half finger of white, thin head that dissipates fairly quickly, leaving spotty lacing, bubbles constantly rise to the surface.
Smell- Aroma is very fruity and floral
Taste- Upfront is bold, fruity notes. Pinneapple, tangerines, and white cherries. avery floral,Lager yeast is there, pretty boozy in the finish.
Mouthfeel- Full body, mild carbonation, dry in the end.
Overall- An interesting take on the Saison, has the classic fruity, floral notes of a god Saison, but is also unexpectedly boozy and rich. This is a slow sipper, if you like barley wines and Saisons and are curious to try something in between then this is for you.
★ 683 characters
4.13/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
A: Deep gold with a brown tinge, cloudy, a good amount of fine bubbled carbonation, 3 fingers of tall creamy off white head.
S: Lemon, mustard, lime, a coke like quality, a dank old classroom full of pencil shavings and erasers.
T: A pleasant balanced lightly bitter, lemon rind slightly peppery taste with the mustard, lime, pencil shavings and dankness all coming in lightly in the background. The sage comes in as light bitter herbal notes, perhaps contributing to the mustard quality.
M: Medium thick balanced body, a good amount of fine bubbled spicy carbonation. Dry finish.
O: Excellent brew, my first by Stillwater. Got at Bruisin’ Ales, drank on Deerfield Beach, FL, July 18th, 2014.
★ 698 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
A: Deep gold with a brown tinge, cloudy, a good amount of fine bubbled carbonation, 3 fingers of tall creamy off white head.
S: Lemon, mustard, lime, a coke like quality, a dank old classroom full of pencil shavings and erasers.
T: A pleasant balanced lightly bitter, lemon rind slightly peppery taste with the mustard, lime, pencil shavings and dankness all coming in lightly in the background. The sage comes in as light bitter herbal notes, perhaps contributing to the mustard quality.
M: Medium thick balanced body, a good amount of fine bubbled spicy carbonation. Dry finish.
O: Excellent brew, my first by Stillwater. Got at Bruisin’ Ales, drank on Deerfield Beach, FL, July 18th, 2014.
★ 698 characters
3.94/5 rDev -3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Bottled 4.23.13; Consumed 6.19.14
A: 4.25 Quite hazy, orange/gold with a bit of red in there too. Pours a very large off-white head.
S: 4 At first there’s lots of yeast and grass with a bit of funk. Sweet malt and sage become very apparent after about 5 minutes in the glass bringing along some white pepper and other spicy aromas. There’s also a little citrus (mainly orange) in the background.
T: 3.75 The sage flavor is really strong (perhaps a bit too much) but it works pretty well with the malt and subtle, piney hops. There’s a lot of orange on the finish with a little lingering bitterness.
M: 4.25 The feel is very good. Not at all watery with good carbonation and a nice, dry finish.
O: 4 This is an interesting and enjoyable beer, but not very well balanced. I like the flavors and aromas going on, but the sage and other unique flavors overpower the farmhouse characteristics one would expect in this style of beer.
★ 940 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Bottled 4.23.13; Consumed 6.19.14
A: 4.25 Quite hazy, orange/gold with a bit of red in there too. Pours a very large off-white head.
S: 4 At first there’s lots of yeast and grass with a bit of funk. Sweet malt and sage become very apparent after about 5 minutes in the glass bringing along some white pepper and other spicy aromas. There’s also a little citrus (mainly orange) in the background.
T: 3.75 The sage flavor is really strong (perhaps a bit too much) but it works pretty well with the malt and subtle, piney hops. There’s a lot of orange on the finish with a little lingering bitterness.
M: 4.25 The feel is very good. Not at all watery with good carbonation and a nice, dry finish.
O: 4 This is an interesting and enjoyable beer, but not very well balanced. I like the flavors and aromas going on, but the sage and other unique flavors overpower the farmhouse characteristics one would expect in this style of beer.
★ 940 characters
3.05/5 rDev -24.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
2011 vintage
a - it's a gusher! poured a two-fingers thick, bubbly off-white head into a tulip glass that left good lacing throughout. the body was a bright, bubbly golden color.
s - fruity and yeasty.
t - yeasty and fruity with green apples the dominant flavor.
m - effervescent, crisp and clean.
o - i don't think this one benefited much from age. way too carbonated as well.
★ 378 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
2011 vintage
a - it's a gusher! poured a two-fingers thick, bubbly off-white head into a tulip glass that left good lacing throughout. the body was a bright, bubbly golden color.
s - fruity and yeasty.
t - yeasty and fruity with green apples the dominant flavor.
m - effervescent, crisp and clean.
o - i don't think this one benefited much from age. way too carbonated as well.
★ 378 characters
4.02/5 rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Small head that settles to rim bubbles. The lace is basically random spots on the glass. Very dirty (read: cloudy) neutral gold color. (Note: this was analysis was from a bar pour. The head and lace from the bottle are substantially improved with a three-finger start and a slow, lumpy finish. Plenty of interconnecting lace.)
Talk about sage. This dominates the aroma along with rosemary, coriander and wild flowers. Unusual but it works.
Better balance in the taste. I get a creamy pale malt start followed by the aforementioned spices. The swallow is really a terrific blend of the two. Slightly sweet. Long lasting and unusual aftertaste. In a word, fascinating. The body leans to the thin side and the carbonation is high, but the combination seems to work.
★ 768 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Small head that settles to rim bubbles. The lace is basically random spots on the glass. Very dirty (read: cloudy) neutral gold color. (Note: this was analysis was from a bar pour. The head and lace from the bottle are substantially improved with a three-finger start and a slow, lumpy finish. Plenty of interconnecting lace.)
Talk about sage. This dominates the aroma along with rosemary, coriander and wild flowers. Unusual but it works.
Better balance in the taste. I get a creamy pale malt start followed by the aforementioned spices. The swallow is really a terrific blend of the two. Slightly sweet. Long lasting and unusual aftertaste. In a word, fascinating. The body leans to the thin side and the carbonation is high, but the combination seems to work.
★ 768 characters
4.69/5 rDev +15.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Appearance:
Hazy, pale yellow body crowned by a thick, bubbly white head. Incredible retention. Incredible amount of bubbly and respectable lacing.
Aroma:
Incredibly aromatic and welcoming. Dry lemongrass, hay and grain, and Belgian yeast dominate but there is plenty of orange peel and spicing to add some more character. Subtle mint and hop character. Very distinct saison aroma. Love it.
Taste:
Right upfront you are greeted by a very interesting spice, which I assume is the white sage, and a sharp, bitter bite. Nice, wheat and grass notes and butter. Black pepper and butter. Great funky character.
Mouthfeel:
Fairly light bodied brew with insane carbonation. Seriously, it almost has a piercing quality - I love it. Sweet and crisp with a clean finish.
Overall:
Saisons are probably my favorite style of beer and this has to be one of the best of the style by far - incredible! Refreshing and tasty - see it? Get it!
★ 927 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Appearance:
Hazy, pale yellow body crowned by a thick, bubbly white head. Incredible retention. Incredible amount of bubbly and respectable lacing.
Aroma:
Incredibly aromatic and welcoming. Dry lemongrass, hay and grain, and Belgian yeast dominate but there is plenty of orange peel and spicing to add some more character. Subtle mint and hop character. Very distinct saison aroma. Love it.
Taste:
Right upfront you are greeted by a very interesting spice, which I assume is the white sage, and a sharp, bitter bite. Nice, wheat and grass notes and butter. Black pepper and butter. Great funky character.
Mouthfeel:
Fairly light bodied brew with insane carbonation. Seriously, it almost has a piercing quality - I love it. Sweet and crisp with a clean finish.
Overall:
Saisons are probably my favorite style of beer and this has to be one of the best of the style by far - incredible! Refreshing and tasty - see it? Get it!
★ 927 characters
3.93/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Pours a clear deep gold with a two-finger foamy white head.
S - Aromas of white pepper, lemon, and yeast.
T - Sweet apple, lemon, and . There is a nice hop and white pepper bite on the finish.
M - Medium bodied with medium carbonation. Dry finish.
O - This is a pretty delicious Saison. Very easy drinking with lots of nice fruity and floral flavors.
★ 359 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Pours a clear deep gold with a two-finger foamy white head.
S - Aromas of white pepper, lemon, and yeast.
T - Sweet apple, lemon, and . There is a nice hop and white pepper bite on the finish.
M - Medium bodied with medium carbonation. Dry finish.
O - This is a pretty delicious Saison. Very easy drinking with lots of nice fruity and floral flavors.
★ 359 characters
3.88/5 rDev -4.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
This libation was procured at the highly esteemed Bier Abbey in Schenectady. It arrived at the table a light apricot in color, and quite hazy--in fact, translucent. The head was thin, and lacing light. When it comes to saisons, I am almost always at a loss in describing taste and aroma. In this case, the fragrance was that of herbs. I can say no more, except, perhaps, that the slightest perception of mint seemed to surface. The flavor, as well, was imprecisely and very pleasantly herbal, with a strength that was surprising. Is there some citrus? Is there a spicy piquancy? Perhaps. After a few draws from the glass, however, the need to analyze recedes. The beer tastes good--that's what matters--and, well...distinguished. Its presence on the palate is foamy and smooth. Its finish, both in taste and feel, is quite fresh.
★ 829 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
This libation was procured at the highly esteemed Bier Abbey in Schenectady. It arrived at the table a light apricot in color, and quite hazy--in fact, translucent. The head was thin, and lacing light. When it comes to saisons, I am almost always at a loss in describing taste and aroma. In this case, the fragrance was that of herbs. I can say no more, except, perhaps, that the slightest perception of mint seemed to surface. The flavor, as well, was imprecisely and very pleasantly herbal, with a strength that was surprising. Is there some citrus? Is there a spicy piquancy? Perhaps. After a few draws from the glass, however, the need to analyze recedes. The beer tastes good--that's what matters--and, well...distinguished. Its presence on the palate is foamy and smooth. Its finish, both in taste and feel, is quite fresh.
★ 829 characters
4.26/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
I purchased this at Brass Rail Deli in Campbelltown, enjoyed chilled in a willybecker from the 12oz brown bottle.
The color is golden with very light hazed look with visible carbonation and thick rocky white head that settles. The smell is very gently spiced reminiscent of clove with aromatics and earthy elment similar to ginger's woody with funky pepper and slight wheat scent with mild anise note and dried fruit aroma. The feel is great -light tanginess with moderate yeastiness and gentle sweetness wtih slight spice in the texture with moderately dry finish.
The taste is very good with lots of complexity from yeast giving some fruity flavors with mix of spice and light malt backing which comes off as dry yet light toasted with mild tangy yeast element and mild earthy spice coming in later with a crisp peppery finish. Overall this is a pretty great beer, highly enjoyable and the only adjustment I would make would be with the spice level since it relies a little bit on the herb/spice in the flavor/aroma.
★ 1,023 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
I purchased this at Brass Rail Deli in Campbelltown, enjoyed chilled in a willybecker from the 12oz brown bottle.
The color is golden with very light hazed look with visible carbonation and thick rocky white head that settles. The smell is very gently spiced reminiscent of clove with aromatics and earthy elment similar to ginger's woody with funky pepper and slight wheat scent with mild anise note and dried fruit aroma. The feel is great -light tanginess with moderate yeastiness and gentle sweetness wtih slight spice in the texture with moderately dry finish.
The taste is very good with lots of complexity from yeast giving some fruity flavors with mix of spice and light malt backing which comes off as dry yet light toasted with mild tangy yeast element and mild earthy spice coming in later with a crisp peppery finish. Overall this is a pretty great beer, highly enjoyable and the only adjustment I would make would be with the spice level since it relies a little bit on the herb/spice in the flavor/aroma.
★ 1,023 characters
4.12/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Stillwater Cellar Door has a thick, spongy, white head, incredible lacing, and a fiercely bubbly, orange-gold, opaque appearance, with visible little brown specs settling at the bottom. The aroma is of so many herbs, peppers, and juices. Taste is the same, with some background wheat bread and some bitterness at the end of the sip. The mouthfeel is medium, prickly, and somewhat slick, and Stillwater Cellar Door finishes dry and rich. No alcohol is detected.
RJT
★ 466 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Stillwater Cellar Door has a thick, spongy, white head, incredible lacing, and a fiercely bubbly, orange-gold, opaque appearance, with visible little brown specs settling at the bottom. The aroma is of so many herbs, peppers, and juices. Taste is the same, with some background wheat bread and some bitterness at the end of the sip. The mouthfeel is medium, prickly, and somewhat slick, and Stillwater Cellar Door finishes dry and rich. No alcohol is detected.
RJT
★ 466 characters
4/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Poured from 12oz bottle into a tulip.
Appearance: medium golden hue with a moderate haze and a very light effervescence. Head is a thin finger of frothy white foam with moderate retention. Not too bad.
Smell: herbal hops with a little bit of a minty character combine with a sweet malt and a piquant farmhouse character. Together they are pointed yet enticing -- I rather like it.
Taste: grassy, with a little bit of buttery character and a little chalkiness. Toward the end of the palate the funk comes through, and throughout the palate are herbal, piney hops, again with that minty/basil character. Quite good indeed.
Mouthfeel: medium body with a great carbonation and a bodacious, mouth-filling creaminess. Bam!
Overall: this is a very tasty and drinkable beer. It's got flavor our the yang, which is really working for me here.
★ 838 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Poured from 12oz bottle into a tulip.
Appearance: medium golden hue with a moderate haze and a very light effervescence. Head is a thin finger of frothy white foam with moderate retention. Not too bad.
Smell: herbal hops with a little bit of a minty character combine with a sweet malt and a piquant farmhouse character. Together they are pointed yet enticing -- I rather like it.
Taste: grassy, with a little bit of buttery character and a little chalkiness. Toward the end of the palate the funk comes through, and throughout the palate are herbal, piney hops, again with that minty/basil character. Quite good indeed.
Mouthfeel: medium body with a great carbonation and a bodacious, mouth-filling creaminess. Bam!
Overall: this is a very tasty and drinkable beer. It's got flavor our the yang, which is really working for me here.
★ 838 characters
4.2/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12 ounce bottle into tulip glass, bottled on 12/5/2013. Pours lightly hazy/cloudy bright gold color with a 2 finger fairly dense white head with good retention, that reduces to a nice cap that lingers. Nice soapy lacing clings on the glass, with a moderate amount of streaming carbonation. Aromas of big lemon zest, tangerine, orange peel, pear, apple, pepper, sage, herbal, floral, grass, wheat, cracker, light bubblegum, and yeast earthiness. Damn nice aromas with good balance and complexity of citrus hops, yeast ester, and spice notes; with great strength. Taste of big lemon zest, tangerine, orange peel, pear, apple, pepper, sage, grass, herbal, floral, wheat, cracker, light bubblegum, and yeast earthiness. Good amount of earthy spice/bitterness on the finish; with lingering notes of lemon zest, tangerine, orange peel, pear, apple, pepper, sage, grass, herbal, wheat, cracker, light bubblegum and yeast earthiness on the finish for a good bit. Fantastic complexity and balance of hop, yeast ester, and spice flavors; with a great yeast/spice flavor balance and zero cloying flavors after the finish. Medium-high carbonation and medium bodied; with a very smooth, crisp, and lightly prickly mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is well hidden with only a slight warming present after the finish. Overall this is an awesome spiced saison style. All around great complexity and balance of hops, yeast ester, and spice flavors; and very smooth and crisp to drink. A highly enjoyable offering.
★ 1,494 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12 ounce bottle into tulip glass, bottled on 12/5/2013. Pours lightly hazy/cloudy bright gold color with a 2 finger fairly dense white head with good retention, that reduces to a nice cap that lingers. Nice soapy lacing clings on the glass, with a moderate amount of streaming carbonation. Aromas of big lemon zest, tangerine, orange peel, pear, apple, pepper, sage, herbal, floral, grass, wheat, cracker, light bubblegum, and yeast earthiness. Damn nice aromas with good balance and complexity of citrus hops, yeast ester, and spice notes; with great strength. Taste of big lemon zest, tangerine, orange peel, pear, apple, pepper, sage, grass, herbal, floral, wheat, cracker, light bubblegum, and yeast earthiness. Good amount of earthy spice/bitterness on the finish; with lingering notes of lemon zest, tangerine, orange peel, pear, apple, pepper, sage, grass, herbal, wheat, cracker, light bubblegum and yeast earthiness on the finish for a good bit. Fantastic complexity and balance of hop, yeast ester, and spice flavors; with a great yeast/spice flavor balance and zero cloying flavors after the finish. Medium-high carbonation and medium bodied; with a very smooth, crisp, and lightly prickly mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is well hidden with only a slight warming present after the finish. Overall this is an awesome spiced saison style. All around great complexity and balance of hops, yeast ester, and spice flavors; and very smooth and crisp to drink. A highly enjoyable offering.
★ 1,494 characters
3.87/5 rDev -4.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Grabbed on sale $1.99 at liquormart. Pours beautiful orangy gold color with nice 2 finger head. Bright aromatics by smell with sage scent and citrus coming thru. True to the brewers description: "quaffably refreshing" on taste and perfect as its starting to get hot out. Nice taste profile but not above and beyond with unique herbal flavors as I'd hoped.
★ 355 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Grabbed on sale $1.99 at liquormart. Pours beautiful orangy gold color with nice 2 finger head. Bright aromatics by smell with sage scent and citrus coming thru. True to the brewers description: "quaffably refreshing" on taste and perfect as its starting to get hot out. Nice taste profile but not above and beyond with unique herbal flavors as I'd hoped.
★ 355 characters
3.94/5 rDev -3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Yet another Stillwater beer I picked up from vintage Estate for $2.79. Poured into a pint glass bottled sometime last year (first number was rubbed off) so it's at least 5 months old.
A - Well I can see now why I got no head just a lace ring it does look pretty nice. Color itself is a bright yellow with little haze.
S - Well the sage really comes off strong in the smell next to the bitter hops. Yeast smells a touch strong so I hope its not too dry.
T - Well its different its has a strong herbal taste which evens out in every sip, sort of bitter middle and the finish is rather sweet with little drying yeast. I guess its good.
M - Light to medium I love a good easy drinking Belgium beer.
Overall this beer didn't wow me as much as As Follows, Existent, or especially Folklore. It's just came off too simple so maybe a fresh bottle will capture this "Wow" factor eveyone has. It was still a decent brew though.
★ 919 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Yet another Stillwater beer I picked up from vintage Estate for $2.79. Poured into a pint glass bottled sometime last year (first number was rubbed off) so it's at least 5 months old.
A - Well I can see now why I got no head just a lace ring it does look pretty nice. Color itself is a bright yellow with little haze.
S - Well the sage really comes off strong in the smell next to the bitter hops. Yeast smells a touch strong so I hope its not too dry.
T - Well its different its has a strong herbal taste which evens out in every sip, sort of bitter middle and the finish is rather sweet with little drying yeast. I guess its good.
M - Light to medium I love a good easy drinking Belgium beer.
Overall this beer didn't wow me as much as As Follows, Existent, or especially Folklore. It's just came off too simple so maybe a fresh bottle will capture this "Wow" factor eveyone has. It was still a decent brew though.
★ 919 characters
4.08/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
It pours a hazy orange yellow with a fine 1" layer of foam.
It smells spicy, of citrus hops with a strongish aroma of lemon zest.
Lemon grass and I guess, that Sage are giving me big time citrusy bitterness and an earthy "feel" that I think is quite unusual but very tasty. It ends on the decidedly dry and still very bitter side. Yummy.
Medium bodied with perhaps a tad too much carbonation but that’s a minor quibble.
This surprised me, though the ratings are on the good to very good side on average. The surprising thing? Today is April 5, 2014. This bottle has a bottling date of April 23, 2013. Wow, that is nothing short of amazing!
★ 647 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
It pours a hazy orange yellow with a fine 1" layer of foam.
It smells spicy, of citrus hops with a strongish aroma of lemon zest.
Lemon grass and I guess, that Sage are giving me big time citrusy bitterness and an earthy "feel" that I think is quite unusual but very tasty. It ends on the decidedly dry and still very bitter side. Yummy.
Medium bodied with perhaps a tad too much carbonation but that’s a minor quibble.
This surprised me, though the ratings are on the good to very good side on average. The surprising thing? Today is April 5, 2014. This bottle has a bottling date of April 23, 2013. Wow, that is nothing short of amazing!
★ 647 characters
4.21/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
12 oz bottle poured into a Tallgrass Brewing tulip. Bottled on 06/07/2013. “Wheat ale brewed with white sage.”
Appearance: A down the side pour produced about three fingers of fluffy white head. Pale gold body.
Aroma: Spicy yeast phenols; white pepper, sage, earthy yeast, lemon tartness and a nice wheat base.
Taste: A brief, grassy hop bite before the yeasty phenols take over. More white pepper, lemon tartness, floral sage and a nice wheat finish.
Mouthfeel: Effervescent with a drying finish. Light to medium body.
Overall: An easy drinking, thirst quenching, entertaining saison. Nice notes of white pepper, some sage, tart lemons and a pleasant wheat finish. The sage is not overbearing, but complimentary and the wheat makes it extra refreshing. Recommended.
★ 779 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
12 oz bottle poured into a Tallgrass Brewing tulip. Bottled on 06/07/2013. “Wheat ale brewed with white sage.”
Appearance: A down the side pour produced about three fingers of fluffy white head. Pale gold body.
Aroma: Spicy yeast phenols; white pepper, sage, earthy yeast, lemon tartness and a nice wheat base.
Taste: A brief, grassy hop bite before the yeasty phenols take over. More white pepper, lemon tartness, floral sage and a nice wheat finish.
Mouthfeel: Effervescent with a drying finish. Light to medium body.
Overall: An easy drinking, thirst quenching, entertaining saison. Nice notes of white pepper, some sage, tart lemons and a pleasant wheat finish. The sage is not overbearing, but complimentary and the wheat makes it extra refreshing. Recommended.
★ 779 characters
Cellar Door from Stillwater Artisanal Ales
4.06
out of 5
based on 1,185 ratings.
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
I like my Saisons traditional..yeast, musty aroma/taste, the barnyard aspect. This beer is like a lot of American Saison hybrids that feature citrus and spices over the more traditional flavor.
Pours a clear dark gold color into a pint glass. Hardly any head without a hard pour and then a small, delicately bubbly white head that fades fast. Very light, spotty lacing.
Big aroma and flavor, not the kind I usually expect in a top Saison, but enjoyable all the same. Lemon zest/citrus and spiciness were the main aromas/flavors. What "mustiness" and earthiness that was there was probably the sage spice. I enjoyed it, but would have preferred the Saison profile I am more used to,
Mouthfeel was good. Nicely carbonated with the spices adding some interest. Crisp, sharp feel. On the whole, a pretty enjoyable brew, but an outstanding Saison? I don't think so,
★ 871 characters