Crooked Stave Surette
Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project
Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- Farmhouse Ale - Saison
- ABV:
- 6.2%
- Score:
- 92
- Avg:
- 4.18 | pDev: 8.37%
- Reviews:
- 25
- Ratings:
- From:
- Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project
- Colorado, United States
- Avail:
- Retired (no longer brewed)
- Wants
- 71
- Gots
- 37
SCORE
92
Outstanding
92
Outstanding
Notes:
Reviews: 25
| Ratings: 145
| Log in to view all ratings and sort
BeerImmediately from Pennsylvania
4.24/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Not sure why the bar I'm at listed this as a Saison, but glad I ordered it (even though it was $11 for a 10oz pour!)...
Great tart pull on the palate, with a little more subdued aroma. Leans toward the peach/apricot side of the tart world (vs lemon or apple)... Mouthfeel is low in carbonation, so good for the style. Good pucker on the finish. Very tasty overall, and glad I noticed it in the menu.
No beer is worth >$1/oz, but my shock at seeing a Crooked Stave in Charleston drew me in.
May 21, 2015
4.24/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Not sure why the bar I'm at listed this as a Saison, but glad I ordered it (even though it was $11 for a 10oz pour!)...
Great tart pull on the palate, with a little more subdued aroma. Leans toward the peach/apricot side of the tart world (vs lemon or apple)... Mouthfeel is low in carbonation, so good for the style. Good pucker on the finish. Very tasty overall, and glad I noticed it in the menu.
No beer is worth >$1/oz, but my shock at seeing a Crooked Stave in Charleston drew me in.
May 21, 2015
dar482 from New York
4.73/5 rDev +13.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
The beer comes in a golden hay color with some haze with large foamy white head.
The aroma has tons of lemon peel, vinegar sourness, huge Brett notes, and some oak. Wonderful tartness in the aroma.
The flavor has TONS of complexity. There's lemon peel acidic sourness, but mostly vinegar tartness. Then there's some wheat and saison notes along with yeasty notes. The finish then hits you with oak and lots of woodiness, without being too earthy and bitter. There's lots of white wine vinous notes because of this oak character.
This beer absolutely just blew me away. There's the combination of fruit, Brett funk, the tartness, the saison in there, along with that really intriguing oak and wine combination. All this together makes this an extremely complex and exciting beer.
Sep 07, 2013
4.73/5 rDev +13.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
The beer comes in a golden hay color with some haze with large foamy white head.
The aroma has tons of lemon peel, vinegar sourness, huge Brett notes, and some oak. Wonderful tartness in the aroma.
The flavor has TONS of complexity. There's lemon peel acidic sourness, but mostly vinegar tartness. Then there's some wheat and saison notes along with yeasty notes. The finish then hits you with oak and lots of woodiness, without being too earthy and bitter. There's lots of white wine vinous notes because of this oak character.
This beer absolutely just blew me away. There's the combination of fruit, Brett funk, the tartness, the saison in there, along with that really intriguing oak and wine combination. All this together makes this an extremely complex and exciting beer.
Sep 07, 2013
Greywulfken from New York
4.16/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
2013/Batch 4
A: deep gold beer in my tulip; like with their Veielle, a measured pour yielded about a finger of fine foam. Little-to-no lace.
S: herbal and floral, some citric and yeasty notes; subtle "barnyard" aromas
T: tart but mellow, suggestions of pale dry flowers and grains, funky brett-ish flavors - musty, dank; something like ruby red grapefruit throughout; very distant malt sweetness
M: soft but tart; nice fuzziness on the tongue; crisp, fresh finish
O: well, Crooked Stave is 2-for-2 with saisons in my book. Lots of grapefruity citric flavor here, underscored by the tang and funk of brett (though I don't know if its actually brett - but the taste is there). If this flavor palate is to your liking, then this beer will be, too.
Jun 27, 2013
4.16/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
2013/Batch 4
A: deep gold beer in my tulip; like with their Veielle, a measured pour yielded about a finger of fine foam. Little-to-no lace.
S: herbal and floral, some citric and yeasty notes; subtle "barnyard" aromas
T: tart but mellow, suggestions of pale dry flowers and grains, funky brett-ish flavors - musty, dank; something like ruby red grapefruit throughout; very distant malt sweetness
M: soft but tart; nice fuzziness on the tongue; crisp, fresh finish
O: well, Crooked Stave is 2-for-2 with saisons in my book. Lots of grapefruity citric flavor here, underscored by the tang and funk of brett (though I don't know if its actually brett - but the taste is there). If this flavor palate is to your liking, then this beer will be, too.
Jun 27, 2013
cvm4 from Mississippi
4.09/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
A - Pours a hay/straw in color with a frothy white head.
S - Good amount of bready yeast, slight vinegar & oak aspect. Loving the funk of the nose.
T - The oak is a lot more prominent and tartness to the front. Bready yeasty compliments it perfectly along with a crisp apple character on the finish.
M - Light body, high carbonation. Perfect for the style.
O - Interesting brew that will keep any sour fan interested.
Apr 25, 2013
4.09/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
A - Pours a hay/straw in color with a frothy white head.
S - Good amount of bready yeast, slight vinegar & oak aspect. Loving the funk of the nose.
T - The oak is a lot more prominent and tartness to the front. Bready yeasty compliments it perfectly along with a crisp apple character on the finish.
M - Light body, high carbonation. Perfect for the style.
O - Interesting brew that will keep any sour fan interested.
Apr 25, 2013
imperialbeerdude from Colorado
4.3/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
I drank this at the crooked stave tap room a very small and charming spot, way smaller than most would imagine. The appearance was a semi dark golden orange color with a little bit of white head. Smell was citrus tartness but not a whole lot of funk like a belgian saison. Taste was exceptional, very tart citrusy and smooth. Incredibly easy drinking beer. Second taste and I'm getting a more vinious quality along with the tartness. I like this more than boulevards brett saison.
Apr 12, 2013
4.3/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
I drank this at the crooked stave tap room a very small and charming spot, way smaller than most would imagine. The appearance was a semi dark golden orange color with a little bit of white head. Smell was citrus tartness but not a whole lot of funk like a belgian saison. Taste was exceptional, very tart citrusy and smooth. Incredibly easy drinking beer. Second taste and I'm getting a more vinious quality along with the tartness. I like this more than boulevards brett saison.
Apr 12, 2013
HuskyinPDX from Washington
4.48/5 rDev +7.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
750ml bottle opened on 3.26.13
Batch 7/11
Bottle 226/1599
A - Pours a cloudy, darker orange with a large foamy egg shell head with good retention and lots of lacing.
S - Brett, oak, subtle fruit, earthy.
T - Soft fruit, brett, oak barrel and nice earthy-farmhouse. WOW!
D - Silky smooth and decent carbonation with a lighter body. Perfect.
O - A real treat. Silky smooth and perfect fruit, barrel and funk.
Thanks Rack!
Apr 12, 2013
4.48/5 rDev +7.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
750ml bottle opened on 3.26.13
Batch 7/11
Bottle 226/1599
A - Pours a cloudy, darker orange with a large foamy egg shell head with good retention and lots of lacing.
S - Brett, oak, subtle fruit, earthy.
T - Soft fruit, brett, oak barrel and nice earthy-farmhouse. WOW!
D - Silky smooth and decent carbonation with a lighter body. Perfect.
O - A real treat. Silky smooth and perfect fruit, barrel and funk.
Thanks Rack!
Apr 12, 2013
thebigredone from Wisconsin
3.54/5 rDev -15.3%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5
Many thanks to jfstilling for including this as an extra.
This beer smells and tastes like you would expect a sour to, however my bottle had unfortunate carbonation issues. This detracted from both the appearance and mouthfeel of the beer.
Appearance - Light yellow with barely any noticeable carbonation, and no head.
Taste - All the pleasantness of a entry-level sour, but not too complex.
Mouthfeel - Flat
Overall - A beer I would like to try again, and a nice into to Crooked Stave. I would certainly like to try some more of their stuff.
Sep 08, 2012
3.54/5 rDev -15.3%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5
Many thanks to jfstilling for including this as an extra.
This beer smells and tastes like you would expect a sour to, however my bottle had unfortunate carbonation issues. This detracted from both the appearance and mouthfeel of the beer.
Appearance - Light yellow with barely any noticeable carbonation, and no head.
Taste - All the pleasantness of a entry-level sour, but not too complex.
Mouthfeel - Flat
Overall - A beer I would like to try again, and a nice into to Crooked Stave. I would certainly like to try some more of their stuff.
Sep 08, 2012
LeeryLeprechaun from Colorado
3.58/5 rDev -14.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
The beer is a brilliant and yellow with a head that soon disappears into the glass.
The beer smells very tart and sour with a little bit of vinegar. You can tell as soon as the beer is opened that is is going to taste sour.
As soon as the beer hits your tongue it is sour and sour in the middle and sour at the finish, and that is about it.
The mouthfeel is thin.
This is a good beer is you are going for tart and sour, unfortunately there is very little depth and has little else going on.
Aug 19, 2012
3.58/5 rDev -14.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
The beer is a brilliant and yellow with a head that soon disappears into the glass.
The beer smells very tart and sour with a little bit of vinegar. You can tell as soon as the beer is opened that is is going to taste sour.
As soon as the beer hits your tongue it is sour and sour in the middle and sour at the finish, and that is about it.
The mouthfeel is thin.
This is a good beer is you are going for tart and sour, unfortunately there is very little depth and has little else going on.
Aug 19, 2012
cosmicevan from New York
4.74/5 rDev +13.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
big thanks to blake! enjoyed on 8/8.
a - nice hazy yellow orange with a big foamy head. good streaky lacing that slides down the glass but easily rebuilds.
s - smells great...just GREAT. sweet tarts. some funk, but perfect tart and sweetness.
t - just awesome! smarties. some brett like funk. some white wine oakiness.
m - prickly and awesome.
o - overall a really big surprise. i had never heard of this and was blown away. super tasty. worth seeking out.
Aug 13, 2012
4.74/5 rDev +13.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
big thanks to blake! enjoyed on 8/8.
a - nice hazy yellow orange with a big foamy head. good streaky lacing that slides down the glass but easily rebuilds.
s - smells great...just GREAT. sweet tarts. some funk, but perfect tart and sweetness.
t - just awesome! smarties. some brett like funk. some white wine oakiness.
m - prickly and awesome.
o - overall a really big surprise. i had never heard of this and was blown away. super tasty. worth seeking out.
Aug 13, 2012
brokensail from California
4.1/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Thanks for sharing, Mark!
Thanks for sharing, Mark. The beer pours a cloudy yellow color with a tall white head. Nose is light tart with really nice lemon notes. It’s somewhat catty, sort of a Sauvignon blanc character. A nice oak aroma, sort of musty, and some straw. The flavor has a pronounced lemon note and tartness. Plenty of musty oak and straw. Cracker malt flavors with a dry finish and some white wine.
Aug 07, 2012
4.1/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Thanks for sharing, Mark!
Thanks for sharing, Mark. The beer pours a cloudy yellow color with a tall white head. Nose is light tart with really nice lemon notes. It’s somewhat catty, sort of a Sauvignon blanc character. A nice oak aroma, sort of musty, and some straw. The flavor has a pronounced lemon note and tartness. Plenty of musty oak and straw. Cracker malt flavors with a dry finish and some white wine.
Aug 07, 2012
claspada from New Jersey
3.83/5 rDev -8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pours a hazy light golden orange with a decent size white frothy foam that faded pretty quickly leaving some spotty lacing on the glass.
Aromas begin with some slightly sweet biscuity malt, sourish wheat, light yeasty white pepper, straw and some oakiness. Hint of funk and some fruitiness emerges as it warms, but I had to search for them.
The tastes begin with a light sweet malt backbone to it, some juicy pear, paired with some light tartness. As it warms you get more of the barnyard, musty flavors with added dose of funk.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied, with medium to lowish carbonation. Finish is slightly off because of the low carbonation creating a smooth, almost creamy finish.
Jul 18, 2012
3.83/5 rDev -8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pours a hazy light golden orange with a decent size white frothy foam that faded pretty quickly leaving some spotty lacing on the glass.
Aromas begin with some slightly sweet biscuity malt, sourish wheat, light yeasty white pepper, straw and some oakiness. Hint of funk and some fruitiness emerges as it warms, but I had to search for them.
The tastes begin with a light sweet malt backbone to it, some juicy pear, paired with some light tartness. As it warms you get more of the barnyard, musty flavors with added dose of funk.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied, with medium to lowish carbonation. Finish is slightly off because of the low carbonation creating a smooth, almost creamy finish.
Jul 18, 2012
ehammond1
4.35/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bottle (2011)
Acquired via trade
Thanks, quirkzoo!
(Aged for 9 months)
Slightly hazed, golden orange in color with a moderately sized white head that leaves lots of stick behind. I always expect Crooked Stave's beers to pour with huge heads, but this one didn't. Very pretty beer.
A somewhat sweet and earthy aroma, with mild citrus, white grape, wood, and some mild acid. There's a touch of Brett funk as well, but not nearly as dramatic as in all other Crooked Stave beers I've sampled.
Complex, somewhat sweet, incredibly drinkable, very delicious wood-aged saison. The citrus fruit presence and white grape sweetness complement the earth, grass, wood, and funk very well. Complex though gulpable--exactly what I want in a saison.
Medium bodied with high carbonation. Terrific.
I really enjoyed this one--far more than I was anticipating.
Apr 30, 2012
4.35/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bottle (2011)
Acquired via trade
Thanks, quirkzoo!
(Aged for 9 months)
Slightly hazed, golden orange in color with a moderately sized white head that leaves lots of stick behind. I always expect Crooked Stave's beers to pour with huge heads, but this one didn't. Very pretty beer.
A somewhat sweet and earthy aroma, with mild citrus, white grape, wood, and some mild acid. There's a touch of Brett funk as well, but not nearly as dramatic as in all other Crooked Stave beers I've sampled.
Complex, somewhat sweet, incredibly drinkable, very delicious wood-aged saison. The citrus fruit presence and white grape sweetness complement the earth, grass, wood, and funk very well. Complex though gulpable--exactly what I want in a saison.
Medium bodied with high carbonation. Terrific.
I really enjoyed this one--far more than I was anticipating.
Apr 30, 2012
emerge077 from Illinois
4.2/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Thanks Mark for sharing! Quick review from written notes.
Bottle #750/1544 if that matters to anyone.
Pours into a mini-pint a hazed pastel orange, murky with suspended sediment, and a thin veil of foam across the surface.
Aromas of woody eucalyptus and light acidic citrus.
Medium pucker, fruity orange and lemon rind bitterness. Vinous white wine notes, with some lingering traces of Brett yeast in the dry aftertaste. Medium bodied and quenching, would tackle a 750 easily, seems well suited to pairing with cheese and charcuterie.
Apr 09, 2012
4.2/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Thanks Mark for sharing! Quick review from written notes.
Bottle #750/1544 if that matters to anyone.
Pours into a mini-pint a hazed pastel orange, murky with suspended sediment, and a thin veil of foam across the surface.
Aromas of woody eucalyptus and light acidic citrus.
Medium pucker, fruity orange and lemon rind bitterness. Vinous white wine notes, with some lingering traces of Brett yeast in the dry aftertaste. Medium bodied and quenching, would tackle a 750 easily, seems well suited to pairing with cheese and charcuterie.
Apr 09, 2012
woosterbill from Kentucky
4.37/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
750ml bottle into an Old Engine Oil tulip. Big thanks to Joe for sharing this one.
A: Slightly hazy orange-gold body with a finger of frothy white head. Nice.
S: Terrific: dry minerality, citrus fruit, grassiness, and apple. Very fresh, very fruity, very spicy. Awesome.
T: Follows the nose - balanced, complex, intense. Fruit, spice, and minerality balance perfectly.
M: A little light and prickly, but ok for the style.
O: Man I love a complex, refreshing, medium-strength Saison. This one really hit the spot.
Cheers!
Mar 05, 2012
4.37/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
750ml bottle into an Old Engine Oil tulip. Big thanks to Joe for sharing this one.
A: Slightly hazy orange-gold body with a finger of frothy white head. Nice.
S: Terrific: dry minerality, citrus fruit, grassiness, and apple. Very fresh, very fruity, very spicy. Awesome.
T: Follows the nose - balanced, complex, intense. Fruit, spice, and minerality balance perfectly.
M: A little light and prickly, but ok for the style.
O: Man I love a complex, refreshing, medium-strength Saison. This one really hit the spot.
Cheers!
Mar 05, 2012
denver10 from New Mexico
3.7/5 rDev -11.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Poured a nice golden color with a thumbs width white head. Sweet and a little tart in aroma along with the funk. Flavor was solid and enjoyable but not quite great due to it being a touch simple. A nice sweet malt backbone to it, some juicy pear, and a nice tartness to it. Medium bodied, smooth, and kind of creamy mouthfeel. Overall, a solid brew..
Feb 26, 2012
3.7/5 rDev -11.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Poured a nice golden color with a thumbs width white head. Sweet and a little tart in aroma along with the funk. Flavor was solid and enjoyable but not quite great due to it being a touch simple. A nice sweet malt backbone to it, some juicy pear, and a nice tartness to it. Medium bodied, smooth, and kind of creamy mouthfeel. Overall, a solid brew..
Feb 26, 2012
hopfacebrew from Colorado
4.2/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from bottle 579/1599 batch 7/11 to Duvel tulip. The beer pours a cloudy orange amber yellow color with a nice 1 finger white head with some retention and lots of lacing. The nose is a blend of oak fruity tartness with a citrus hop flavor and peppery spice. The yeast adds a nice funk. Good. The flavor begins sweet from the malt and fruity character, hints of citrus and apricot flavors. The yeast provides a funky tart sour finish. Oak also noticeable and rounds out a great flavor. Lighter bodied with good carbonation. Overall, very good. I would highly recommend. These Crooked Stave beers are killing it!
Feb 20, 2012
4.2/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from bottle 579/1599 batch 7/11 to Duvel tulip. The beer pours a cloudy orange amber yellow color with a nice 1 finger white head with some retention and lots of lacing. The nose is a blend of oak fruity tartness with a citrus hop flavor and peppery spice. The yeast adds a nice funk. Good. The flavor begins sweet from the malt and fruity character, hints of citrus and apricot flavors. The yeast provides a funky tart sour finish. Oak also noticeable and rounds out a great flavor. Lighter bodied with good carbonation. Overall, very good. I would highly recommend. These Crooked Stave beers are killing it!
Feb 20, 2012
Beaver13 from Colorado
4.03/5 rDev -3.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
750ml bottle - batch 7/11, bottle 355/1599. Pours a hazy golden amber with a big fizzy rocky white head that retains well and laces the glass.
The aroma is interesting - soft brett, wood, floral notes and some fruits.
The flavor is sweet tangy fruits with some earthy kind of funky brett that is a little acidic. The mouthfeel is medium to full bodied with smooth carbonation.
Overall, I like what the brett barrel adds to the saison. One of my favorites from Crooked Stave.
Feb 14, 2012
4.03/5 rDev -3.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
750ml bottle - batch 7/11, bottle 355/1599. Pours a hazy golden amber with a big fizzy rocky white head that retains well and laces the glass.
The aroma is interesting - soft brett, wood, floral notes and some fruits.
The flavor is sweet tangy fruits with some earthy kind of funky brett that is a little acidic. The mouthfeel is medium to full bodied with smooth carbonation.
Overall, I like what the brett barrel adds to the saison. One of my favorites from Crooked Stave.
Feb 14, 2012
spdyfire83 from Ireland
3.93/5 rDev -6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
169th Review
Served in a snifter
On-draft at Falling Rock Taphouse
From notes.
A: Hazy orange. Barely a quarter (white) fingernail head.
S: Malt biscuit, wheat, orange zest, white pepper, straw, and some oakiness. Very nice and inviting. Hint of funk, but I had to search for it.
T: Light citrus, wheat, pepper, decent amount of funk, hay, and soft, rounded fruit notes. Hint of tartness near the end which balances the sour quite nice. Not too overpowering, but drinks very smooth.
M: Light bodied with gentle carbonation.
O: Not what I was expecting based on my discussion with my beer guy Paul at FR, but solid all-around. Doesn't drink entirely like a saison/farmhouse, but maybe that's why I enjoy this so much. Could use a bit of age to get more well-rounded, but something I would recommend to anyone interested in exploring the realm of sour beers. This would be an excellent transition because it is fairly mild compared to other "true sours". A nice offering for sure!
Feb 11, 2012
3.93/5 rDev -6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
169th Review
Served in a snifter
On-draft at Falling Rock Taphouse
From notes.
A: Hazy orange. Barely a quarter (white) fingernail head.
S: Malt biscuit, wheat, orange zest, white pepper, straw, and some oakiness. Very nice and inviting. Hint of funk, but I had to search for it.
T: Light citrus, wheat, pepper, decent amount of funk, hay, and soft, rounded fruit notes. Hint of tartness near the end which balances the sour quite nice. Not too overpowering, but drinks very smooth.
M: Light bodied with gentle carbonation.
O: Not what I was expecting based on my discussion with my beer guy Paul at FR, but solid all-around. Doesn't drink entirely like a saison/farmhouse, but maybe that's why I enjoy this so much. Could use a bit of age to get more well-rounded, but something I would recommend to anyone interested in exploring the realm of sour beers. This would be an excellent transition because it is fairly mild compared to other "true sours". A nice offering for sure!
Feb 11, 2012
pwoods from Ohio
3.82/5 rDev -8.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Thanks to DividedAvery for the bottle.
750ml Belgian capped brown bottle poured into a RR wine glass.
A: Pours a bright golden color with some orange tinting. Decent head on the pour and some retention. Decent lacing.
S: A good amount of Brett character with some barny, husky, and musty aromas, along with some fruity esters. A solid Saison yeast aroma as well. A touch of oak character, but subtle. The fruitiness gets stronger as it warms, giving a tropical citrus aroma.
T/M: Lots of fruitiness and hop flavor and moderate bitterness right up front. This is quickly swept away by a pretty strong Brett character. More of the barny, musty flavors with and added dose of funk. This lasts through the finish, with a bit more of the bit tropical fruity flavor. Some of the Saison strain mixed in mid to late palate. The oak is very subtle and I feel I'm only getting it because I know it was barrel aged. Body is medium or so with a pleasantly dry finish.
D: Pretty decent beer but the Brett seems to take over a bit... maybe a bit too much. Very interesting, though, I wouldn't mind trying it again.
Jan 26, 2012
3.82/5 rDev -8.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Thanks to DividedAvery for the bottle.
750ml Belgian capped brown bottle poured into a RR wine glass.
A: Pours a bright golden color with some orange tinting. Decent head on the pour and some retention. Decent lacing.
S: A good amount of Brett character with some barny, husky, and musty aromas, along with some fruity esters. A solid Saison yeast aroma as well. A touch of oak character, but subtle. The fruitiness gets stronger as it warms, giving a tropical citrus aroma.
T/M: Lots of fruitiness and hop flavor and moderate bitterness right up front. This is quickly swept away by a pretty strong Brett character. More of the barny, musty flavors with and added dose of funk. This lasts through the finish, with a bit more of the bit tropical fruity flavor. Some of the Saison strain mixed in mid to late palate. The oak is very subtle and I feel I'm only getting it because I know it was barrel aged. Body is medium or so with a pleasantly dry finish.
D: Pretty decent beer but the Brett seems to take over a bit... maybe a bit too much. Very interesting, though, I wouldn't mind trying it again.
Jan 26, 2012
mikereaser from Pennsylvania
3.83/5 rDev -8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
A - Pours a light golden orange with a half of a glass of white frothy foam that faded pretty quickly and left alot of lacing on the glass
S - another reviewer said this smells like a flemish sour and I get that, a very faint version and I really like it. i'm picking up a little bit of cherry, some oak and a bit of wheat grain.
T - Flavor is faint, i'm picking up some light citrus along with the funk and wood. The citrus comes back in the finish a little stronger and has a nice orange flavor.
M/D - Light bodied, very foamy in my mouth, not over carbonated, just frothy. Its very easy to drink and would be great on a hot day sitting out on the patio eating some seafood.
Jan 22, 2012
3.83/5 rDev -8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
A - Pours a light golden orange with a half of a glass of white frothy foam that faded pretty quickly and left alot of lacing on the glass
S - another reviewer said this smells like a flemish sour and I get that, a very faint version and I really like it. i'm picking up a little bit of cherry, some oak and a bit of wheat grain.
T - Flavor is faint, i'm picking up some light citrus along with the funk and wood. The citrus comes back in the finish a little stronger and has a nice orange flavor.
M/D - Light bodied, very foamy in my mouth, not over carbonated, just frothy. Its very easy to drink and would be great on a hot day sitting out on the patio eating some seafood.
Jan 22, 2012
KajII from North Carolina
4.2/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
[Best served in a Tulip glass]
The pour was a hazy medium honey orange with an average sized (1-2 finger) white fizzy head that reduced quickly to a thin layer of foam that was left lying on top, thus producing some really nice sheets of lace.
The aroma had kind of funky odor to it and was of a straw like malt, a citrus hop and a barnyard scented yeast with notes of orange, tangerine, ripe peaches, apricot, a touch of oak and a mild tartness.
The taste was sweet and malty with a nice notes of orange, apricot and hints of citrus from the start, and had a strong yeasty sour finish with just a light hint of a woody fruit taste at the end. The flavor lasted a wonderfully long time allowing for the melding of flavors to relax on the taste buds.
Mouthfeel was just a tad beyond light in body with a nice dry texture and a prickly carbonation.
Overall an exceptionally tasty and refreshing brew, one with a nice fruity sour flavor that most definitely left you wanting more.
Jan 16, 2012
4.2/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
[Best served in a Tulip glass]
The pour was a hazy medium honey orange with an average sized (1-2 finger) white fizzy head that reduced quickly to a thin layer of foam that was left lying on top, thus producing some really nice sheets of lace.
The aroma had kind of funky odor to it and was of a straw like malt, a citrus hop and a barnyard scented yeast with notes of orange, tangerine, ripe peaches, apricot, a touch of oak and a mild tartness.
The taste was sweet and malty with a nice notes of orange, apricot and hints of citrus from the start, and had a strong yeasty sour finish with just a light hint of a woody fruit taste at the end. The flavor lasted a wonderfully long time allowing for the melding of flavors to relax on the taste buds.
Mouthfeel was just a tad beyond light in body with a nice dry texture and a prickly carbonation.
Overall an exceptionally tasty and refreshing brew, one with a nice fruity sour flavor that most definitely left you wanting more.
Jan 16, 2012
StonedTrippin from Colorado
4.05/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
pours a very hazy light amber goldenrod color into a tulip glass with a 3 to 4 inch fluffy white head. smells like a flemmish sour all the way, really tart and almost a little off-putting if you dont drink a lot of sours. taste is less potent, with just a slight tartness in the finish, a very winelike taste, slightly fruity, yeasty, mild oak as well. this is a really complex brew, well made. mouthfeel is so alive, vibrant on the tongue and a long aftertaste. this was an experience for me, definitely going to find more crooked stave brews.
Jan 07, 2012
4.05/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
pours a very hazy light amber goldenrod color into a tulip glass with a 3 to 4 inch fluffy white head. smells like a flemmish sour all the way, really tart and almost a little off-putting if you dont drink a lot of sours. taste is less potent, with just a slight tartness in the finish, a very winelike taste, slightly fruity, yeasty, mild oak as well. this is a really complex brew, well made. mouthfeel is so alive, vibrant on the tongue and a long aftertaste. this was an experience for me, definitely going to find more crooked stave brews.
Jan 07, 2012
Thorpe429 from Illinois
3.58/5 rDev -14.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Big thanks to kkrez for sending this bottle my way. Served in a Mikasa tulip.
Pours a slightly-hazed peach color with a good white head and a nice amount of spotty lacing. The nose brings a bit of stone fruit and light wheat plus some nice funk. Flavor has a bit of light peach and lemon plus dry wheat. Nice dryness to the finish and a light sourness. Well done, especially in the feel department. Solid brew for sure.
Dec 17, 2011
3.58/5 rDev -14.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Big thanks to kkrez for sending this bottle my way. Served in a Mikasa tulip.
Pours a slightly-hazed peach color with a good white head and a nice amount of spotty lacing. The nose brings a bit of stone fruit and light wheat plus some nice funk. Flavor has a bit of light peach and lemon plus dry wheat. Nice dryness to the finish and a light sourness. Well done, especially in the feel department. Solid brew for sure.
Dec 17, 2011
Ratman197 from Colorado
4.08/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
750 ml bottle courtesy of chadcsu (thanks Chad) poured a hazy gold wih a lasting off white head. Aromas of straw, earthiness, citrus, barnyard and light spice. Palate was medium bodied and smooth with a dry finish. Flavors ofbread, horseblanket, light citrus and light earthiness with a smooth dry lingering funky finish.
Nov 30, 2011
4.08/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
750 ml bottle courtesy of chadcsu (thanks Chad) poured a hazy gold wih a lasting off white head. Aromas of straw, earthiness, citrus, barnyard and light spice. Palate was medium bodied and smooth with a dry finish. Flavors ofbread, horseblanket, light citrus and light earthiness with a smooth dry lingering funky finish.
Nov 30, 2011
DividedAvery from Colorado
3.8/5 rDev -9.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Poured from 22oz Bomber into a New Belgium Snifter
A: Lots of haze and an orange-gold color here.
S: Funk, citrus and barn/hay dominate the aroma. For what it is this is a very typical smell
T: Light on taste, the normal notes of slight citrus, wheat/hay and some light spice. The funk is there on the finish but is fairly subdued and not overbearing. The finish is also dry and the funk stays around a bit
M: Very light, nicely carbonated
O: This is a good saison. While it isn't anything incredibly special it is a good bretted saison that is worth the try
Nov 03, 2011
3.8/5 rDev -9.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Poured from 22oz Bomber into a New Belgium Snifter
A: Lots of haze and an orange-gold color here.
S: Funk, citrus and barn/hay dominate the aroma. For what it is this is a very typical smell
T: Light on taste, the normal notes of slight citrus, wheat/hay and some light spice. The funk is there on the finish but is fairly subdued and not overbearing. The finish is also dry and the funk stays around a bit
M: Very light, nicely carbonated
O: This is a good saison. While it isn't anything incredibly special it is a good bretted saison that is worth the try
Nov 03, 2011
Crooked Stave Surette from Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project
Beer rating:
92 out of
100 with
145 ratings
0 characters. We love reviews! Turn your rating into one with 150 characters or more.
Protips: Explain why you're giving this rating. Your review must discuss the beer's attributes (look, smell, taste, feel) and your overall impression in order to indicate that you have legitimately tried the beer. Nonconstructive reviews may be removed without notice and action may be taken on your account.
Close