Shipwreck Bay Nelson Sauvin Saison
O'Connor Brewing Co.

O'Connor Brewing Co. "Shipwreck Bay Nelson Sauvin Saison"
22 fl. oz. brown glass bottle, no apparent freshness dating
$5.88 @ the brewery

Notes via stream of consciousness: Shipwreck Bay. I wonder if that's a real place. Yep, right there on the label, and it's from in New Zealand which makes sense as this utilizes Nelson Sauvin hops, a variety I've never really been able to completely understand. Anyway, it pours a hazy yellow gold beneath a massive head of frothy bright white. The head retention seems to be very good as it hasn't dropped at all. There seems to be a bit of sulphur at first, but that passes fairly quickly and the aroma displays lightly sweetish golden malt, some yeasty spiciness, and some mildly fruit hops. Most describe the aroma of Nelson Sauvin as being like white grape and I can see that. The head has held up well so far, and where it's dropped there's some very nice lacing. The flavor brings in more of the Saison yeast character with a moderate amount of phenols and earthiness. There's just enough peppery spiciness to liven it, and with the median bitterness it finishes dry and peppery. There's a touch of white grape, which is nice, and perhaps a bit of passion fruit, but that's about it. Oh, gooseberry as well, like a Sauvignon Blanc. I'm guessing that the Nelson Sauvin hops are not really any more complex than that, but in combination with the Saison yeast it works well. Medium-light in body and moderately crisp. Fine-bubbled once warmed a bit. Overall it's very well-balanced and rounded, and fairly complex ~ yet not nearly as complex as some of the finest examples. It's hard to complain about, easy to drink, and enjoyable~ and perhaps a nice change of pace from all of the very citrusy saisons that are so popular right now.

 

I tried this at the brewery with my boss. It poured a slightly hazy yellow with white head that left a spotty lace. The scent had hints of citrus. The taste was nicely balanced and easy to drink. The mouthfeel was medium in body with good carbonation. Overall it was a solid beer.

 

 

 

A very hoppy saison. Has some Duvel qualities without the super high carbonation. Great head and lacing but sort of a sick yellow. Not too bitter with most of the sasion qualities covered up by some yummy nelson sauvin grapefruit and rind. Tasty but outside of style.

 

 

The label says 7.5% ABV and 46 IBU's but I don't see a date listed.

Appearance: Lots of carbonation visible as it pours a very hazy light yellow body with a very fluffy pure white head. Great retention and lacing.

Aroma: Some spicy aroma here that is likely from the yeast. A bit floral and a touch catty. Not a whole lot going on here.

Taste: It has a bit of a rustic bread flavor along with some very herbal and earthy hop flavors. A touch of cedar. Good bitterness. A bit of alcohol makes it through.

Mouthfeel: It has a very good mouthfeel. It is light and effervescent with a wealth of carbonation. Very good bitterness.

Overall: I wouldn't characterize this as a memorable or outstanding beer but it is enjoyable. If you happen to pick it up you will probably enjoy it but it's the kind of beer that will fade out of memory. The hop flavors are nice and the body of the beer is very good but the overall experience wasn't much more than an average Saison.

 

Just released Feb 2016. Part of O'Connor Brewery's Endless Saison Series.I bought a 22 oz bottle at Grape and Gourmet in Virginia Beach. Pours a slightly hazy light yellow color with a huge bubbly and frothy head. Head retention is excellent. Thick patches of lacing ring the glass. Aroma includes a little funky yeastiness and citrus aromas from the Nelson Sauvin hops. Very pleasant. The flavor is an unusual but tasty contest between mildly bitter citrusy hops and yeasty funkiness and earthiness usually found in a good Saison. The Nelson Sauvin hops also provide a prominent white wine flavor. There are strong elements of both funk and hops but the hops win out slightly in the end. Still enough funk for a Saison lover. Mouthfeel is rich enough for the style and crisp and refreshing. Another good and unusual Saison from O'Connor.