Vestige
Oxbow Brewing Company

Canned 12/13/22

I don’t drink as much Oxbow as I should. I rarely see their beers around, but at this point I’ll probably grab whatever I see from them. This one is interesting, I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen a Saison with smoked malt, it should make for a fun juxtaposition of tastes. Let’s get right into it

Pours a cloudy yellow gold with 3 fingers of rocky off white head that slowly fades to a cap and leaves decent lacing

The smoke is present in the nose for sure, but it’s just one component in a rather complex beer. I’m picking up on aromas of lemon zest, sourdough toast, campfire smoke, wet hay, earthy hops, black pepper, black tea, light sea salt, and wildflower honey

It doesn’t quite reach the same level of complexity in taste but it’s still quite enjoyable. On the front end of the sip I’m tasting biscuity malt, lemon zest, beechwood smoke, orange zest, white pepper, wildflower honey, and wet hay. The swallow brings notes of sourdough toast, wildflower honey, beechwood smoke, lemon zest, sea salt, white pepper, light green apple, and wet hay

A light medium body pairs with gentle carbonation, resulting in a slick beer. Finishes a tad sticky but dries out over time

This one is really fun. Certainly a unique Saison with a subtle but present smoky character

 

 

 

 

Bottle. Golden with slight haze if you dump the bottle in an rocky head and lace. Light vanilla peppery lemon aroma with barely a "vestige" of smoke. Light sweet grainy vanilla bready malt. Leomon peppery finish with barely a hint of smoke. Light lively and soft. Excellent, but needs more smoke. If I didn't read it on the label, I don't think I would have caught it. Maybe I have COVID.

12 oz bottle, dated 3/11/2020.

"Vestige is a saison brewed with smoked German malts and noble European hops."

The bottling date is much older than the beer I typically purchase, but given my love for saison and all things smoked, this just sounded too good to pass up. The bottle also says enjoy within one year, so we should be good to go here.

First thing I picked up on was how tart the beer was, which was evident right away just from the aroma. Strong lemon with some pepper providing balance for that tartness. Light floral hops. Medium-light bodied and dry in the finish. The smoke is nowhere to be found, unfortunately. Maybe it diminished during its time in the bottle? It's still a really tasty and easy to drink saison, just a bit ordinary... which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Was really wishing I had some cheese or charcuterie to pair with it. I think that will have to happen with some of the remaining three bottles.

Bamberg and Brussels must have convened in Newcastle, Maine! Pale yellow-gold liquid with an effervescent white cap. funk and smoke on the nose. Initial taste of tart peach, grain and hay; very dry, quickly fading to lingering grassy hops laced with moderate smoke. Light mouthfeel, refreshing, complex, and super drinkable. Fantastic!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poured from a draft-filled bomber into a Dogfish Head tulip

L: Slightly hazed light golden pour with thick foamy white head. Great retention and lacing.

S: Light citrus and funk. Grassy.

T.F: Light crackery grains... lemon citrus, grass, pear/fruit, and earth. Mild spice... smokiness coming in mid-swig. Not overpowering but definitely present. Minimal funk... no significant tartness. Light bodied with effervescent carbonation.

O: A pretty cool brew... a nice light saison with some smokiness tossed in for variety. Unique and interesting. Very glad I got to try it, and as a huge Bowie fan I very much approve.