The Hog's Head
Olvalde Farm and Brewing Company

this is the first new one i have had or seen from these guys in ages, and its a brewery i just adore, so i was pumped for this one! a funky dark beer brewed with cardamom, at least as much dark saison as belgian dark to me, and a really original brew. its deep brown in color, frothy and airy light brown headed, with lots of carbonation and a really unique aroma. the cardamom is strong, the hint of cardamom it says on the label is off, this is way more than a hint, you have to like that smell and taste to like this beer, so i can see some folks being turned off by it. there are notes of lit cigar, brown sugar, molasses, and farmy saison yeast here too, red wine as well somehow, and some black pepper, anise, and other spiciness beyond the cardamom. the flavor starts and ends with the cardamom, the beer is complex, but this is the dominant note all the way, and i think it could be scaled back a little bit, its even bitter at times, like over saturated, but some of that could be the darker roasted grains in here. notes of dry cocoa powder and tobacco in the malt, some toasted character and a little sugar. the yeast is great in here, and i am thankful that this element is so pronounced so the cardamom doesnt make it one dimensional. some light funk, some light tannic tartness, but some cool high tone esters as well, a compatible spice complex, and a real farmy vibe overall, very rustic and i think it makes this beer. complex for sure, great carbonation for its apparent size and depth, and an almost numbing sensation on the palate is left in its wake. one of a kind for sure, maybe a bit of a weird flavor profile with all the cardamom, but a clever and thoughtful beer. i wish for more new ones from these guys!

The Hog's Head pours a black color, with a big, long lasting and lacing head. Sour aroma, with some earthy notes. Flavors, is sweeter, with big flavor of the cardamom, and a nice subtle earthy and slightly bitter finish. Watery body, and pretty fizzy. Overall, tasty beer, big cardamom flavors.