Ficus
Mike Hess Brewing - Miramar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type: Draft
Glass: 30cl tulip (10.1 oz.)
From: Mike Hess Brewing
Price: $4.25
Purchased: Dec. 12, 2014
Consumed: Dec. 12, 2014
Misc.: N/A

Poured a dark, almost pitch black color with two fingers of tan, rocky head when I got it. Nice uneven spiderweb lacing along the sides of the glass. Average retention. (Sight - 4.00)

Smelled a tad boozy up front. Plum, fig, raisins, caramel, light cocoa, roasted nuts, light floral hops and light smokiness. (Smell - 3.75)

Tasted pretty close to the nose. Earthy fig, Fig Newtons, dark fruit, plum, dates, raisins, smoky nuts, faint coffee beans, caramel and licorice. (Taste - 3.50)

Medium body. Thin texture. Average carbonation. Rather abrupt, nutty finish. Took cold for the style in my opinion. (Feel - 3.25)

This was just OK overall. Nothing special and I wouldn’t have it again. (Overall - 3.50)

3.57 | 81 | B

 

 

Poured a rich dark, black body with a one finger tan head. It looks quite dark for a saison, even a dark saison and more of a Belgian Strong Dark. Scents of dark fruit, especially fig, but with lesser amounts of raisin and prune, a medium-low level of bittersweet chocolate and a hint of Belgian yeast. Overall impression of aroma is of a very dark fruit forward Belgian Strong Dark, with nice notes of chocolate and Belgian yeastiness present as well. Rather pleasant, though not very complex. Flavor begins lightly sweet, with strong presence of figs and other dark fruit and a slight tang of Belgian yeast. This moves into a middle with more dark fruit, especially fig, flavors and a tiny hint of bittersweet chocolate with a low level of alcohol flavor, tangy Belgian yeast flavors are still present. Finish is medium-dry, with notes of dark fruit continuing, along with tangy Belgian yeast, a low alcohol presence and a faint hint of bittersweet chocolate. Aftertaste is dark fruit roast malt, a bit of bitter cocoa powder and a lesser, but still discernible spicy Belgian yeast. Overall impression of flavor is of a nicely deep, dark, fruity, well made Belgian Dark that is also spicy and dry enough to not be cloying. Very nice. Mouthfeel is full bodied with moderate carbonation and a slightly drying feel. Overall impression of flavor is a drinkable, full, very nice Belgian Strong Dark. Overall this is a nice Belgian Strong Dark that goes for a drier, yet still dark fruit forward flavor and a nice aroma. The addition of figs aids the aroma and flavor and makes this a rather nice beer.

 

Brewer calls this a "dark fig Saison." Handsome dark mahogany color with a modest foam. Not much aroma. Quite dry. Not much Belgian flavor but the yeasty dry character is quite aggressive. Some pleasant spritziness on the tongue.

I can't taste any actual figs, but there is a slight raisiny taste. A little bit of funk. Pleasant bitter aftertaste. Each sip starts with the burnt raisin toast flavor and hint of sweetness before it turns to ashes.

An interesting Saison-inspired brew. Good balance of dark scorched malt with the tart and tangy sensation. On tap at the brewery in North Park.