Roselle Hibiscus Saison
Funkwerks

 

after a couple of lackluster attempts at traditional belgian styles, funkwerks is back on a roll again. this was on tap at colorado plus on friday afternoon, and therefore likely out of retirement. thankfully too, as this is really delicious. usually a tough ingredient to use in beer because of its potency, funkwerks has done an excellent job having it flavor the beer as only one of a number of elements, keeping it from dominating what actually turns out to be a rather delicate saison. its hazy and electric pink on the pour, with an airy near inch of white head on top. it smells less perfume forward than anticipated with the hibiscus, but its there for sure, almost has an asian feel to it for some reason, maybe lemongrass notes from the yeast or something. some tang here too, maybe not a sour beer, but definitely some cool textures developed from the yeast, more funky than most, peppery too though, and dynamic. the flavor is right there with the nose, citrus and hibiscus at the same time, a nice back and forth there, and a rather light wheat base that keeps it really easy drinking. refreshing and not a novelty item, not a beer i am tired of or overpowered by after one glass. they have done a killer job with the special ingredient here, and the base beer is up to their old high quality standard. another gem from funkwerks. they should probably find a way to bottle this one, i could see it doing really well for them this summer. nice to see them back on track here!

 

 

 

750ml bottle, number 463 of 675. Pours a rosy pink with a creamy light pink head that goes to a thin film and leaves some lacing.

The aroma is a little subdued - sweet and tart fruits and floral notes.

The flavor is sweet cherries and raspberries with a slight tart note and a dry champagne like finish. The mouthfeel is medium to full bodied with low carbonation.

Overall, a nice fruity saison. I like it.