HopLab: Amarillo Saison
Kane Brewing Company

 

Growler purchased 2/4/17. Poured into Belgian ale glass.

L: Light copper, almost clear. 1F+ head, some retention, some lacing, slight cap and ring.

S: Yeast and Brett. Light floral from Amarillo hops.

T: Yeasty and slightly floral. Banana and clove flavors, not uncommon for a Saison.

F: Light to medium body, medium carbonation. Crisp and drying, with good drinkability. Good balance as sourness does not run away.

O: A solid Saison helped along with some flowery and fruity flavor from the Amarillo hops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had this on draught at the brewery. 12 oz. pour served in a goblet. It pours a cloudy, golden honey color with one finger of foamy, bright white head and lacing. The lacing had good retention. It smelled of pineapple, lemon, banana, clove, and pepper. It was nicely aromatic. The taste is something between a Saison and an IPA: lemon peel, tart hops, cloves, and pepper, with just a hint of sweetness (banana and tropical fruit). For a Saison, it was quite bitter at the finish. This ale is medium-bodied, crisp, pleasantly carbonated, and the 7.2% ABV presents no impediment to drinking. My only constructive criticism is that for a "Saison" it is quite bitter: it could use some more clove, banana, and Belgian funk. That said, Kane has an excellent ale from which to build.