Acorn Saison
Craftsman Brewing Co.

 

i didnt totally love this beer, but i have to give it a lot of credit for being original. im not sure i cant think of many other beers with acorns actually in them, save maybe something or two that scratch has done over the years. this is strangely dark from the tap, i was not expecting a deep hazy amber or even brown base for this saison, but when i start drinking it i realize it makes sense. the aroma is earthy and nutty underneath, but i get more of the belgian yeast here than anything else, fruity and white wine notes right away from it, but with a soft dry peppery spice profile as well, super earthy and appealing. i get light cocoa and caramelized sweetness from the malts, the acorns are not so obvious in the aroma. i do get some nice earthy nutty almost woody flavor, i assume thats the acorns, but its short lived before warmer fermented belgian ester profile comes in along with the grain sweetness. the toasted aspect of the grain is great with what i perceive to be the acorns, but the yeats and the sweet cover it up a bit too fast, i w ant the acorns to be even more obvious to me here. cool depth of favor though, even if a less belgian and more rustic saison yeast would be preferable here. smooth body on the fuller side, but uplifted by excellent carbonation, i did not expect this to be so strong either, it drinks a bit easier than its listed strength. a unique beer overall, glad to have tried it. cool idea and pretty well executed! i hope to try more of their stuff on my next california trip!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on tap at Stone Brewery Bistro and Gardens. Brown, funky aroma and taste. Roasty. Wierd, not the style. Both sbitter and sweet. Could not finish. Could be interesting if tweaked, copying the Italian chestnut brewers? Zesty spice that did not complement so much.

On tap at Tony's Darts Away in Burbank, CA.

Pours a clear iced tea color with a 1 inch foamy tan head that fades to an oily film. Small dots of lace drip back down into the remaining beer on the drink down. Smell is of malt, nuts, and some fruity aromas. Taste is of sweet malt, fruit, spices, and some yeast flavors. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp and clean mouthfeel. Overall, this is a pretty good saison that is much darker and maltier than others I have tried before.

Appearance: Amber in color. Pours an off-white head and moderate lacing.

Smell: estery, barnyard, earthy, nutty, slightly spicy.

Taste: malty, nutty, caramel, toffee, oak.

Mouthfeel: medium bodied, moderate carbonation, zesty, crisp.

Overall: A tasty saison. I like the acorn addition. Very drinkable. The acorn is prevalent but not overwhelming.