Saison Froide
Glutenberg Craft Brewery

 

 

 

 

Beer pours very nice with a big white Belgian-looking head that is super active. It has a yeast spice nose with some spicy notes from pepper in it. The taste is close to a 'normal' saison with some yeast coming through, white pepper, anise, astringency. It drinks fairly dry and has a thin, light-bodied character.
Looking at this as a gluten-free alternative for beer lovers, it is really good. I haven't tried lots of gluten free beers, but this is definitely the most interesting and most beer-like of the ones I have. No question.
Looking at it next to beers with malt, though, it is not good.
The main 'flaw' in my opinion is the brewers' use of basil. It gives it a nice earthy flavor at first, but becomes very medicinal, sticky, and licorice-like as you drink (it is consequently not terribly drinkable). This is especially annoying in that it has hops (which don't have gluten, obviously) and I feel that hops could give you the same flavor without the unpleasant flavors, but to each their own...
Would not have again, couldn't even finish what I had; however, if you have celiac disease, this is the way to go!

 

 

Bottle: Poured a clear bright golden color with a small foamy head with OK retention. Aroma of light Chinese basil and dry white wine notes is very interesting. Taste is also dominated by Chinese basil notes with Sauvignon notes also identifiable with a slightly weird grainy finish. Body is somewhat full with an oily texture and good carbonation. I get what they are trying to achieve and I love the fact that they are pushing the boundaries but I thought the malt bill was slightly off.