Freedom Tickler
Oskar Blues Grill & Brew

2017 vintage

 

On tap at the brewery taproom in Brevard.
Wine barrel aged -- listed at 7.1% ABV.

Medium body with light carbonation.
Excellent use of wine barrel aging with some effect on feel, I suspect, and certainly solid but not overdone effects on the aroma and flavor. Distinct and harmonious blend of flavors and aromas.
Overall: one of the best uses of wine barrel aging I have come across.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On draft, pours a very clear straw pale yellow. Good carbonation and head retention, but no glass lacing.

The smell is really rustic, pepper, grass, dough yeast, earthy hop notes that draw you in. There is faint funk, but honestly not enough to really think this is going to be a unique saison. The flavor is very simple, straightforward. Heavy pepper up front that gives way to wheat, dough yeast and some spice. The mouthfeel is thin, wet, and refreshing.

Nothing crazy going on here, but it's good, simple, easy.

another beer they might do well with getting it on shelves. all their interesting stuff is so hard to get, it makes no sense, other than pumping out dales to beer wastelands across the united states. a really basic saison , just beer, unpretentious, uncomplicated, just pale yellow french style saison. very pale wheat malt base, almost irrelevant to the overall flavor of this beer. yeast is in the french family, but not as winey or sharp as some french saisons, its real light and clean. carbonation is expressive, the body is nil, just easy drinking summer beer for those who tire of blondes all season. minimally flavored saison, but thats okay sometimes. not ever beer needs to be an intellectual project, and to a seasoned saison drinker, this certainly isnt one. refreshment is its best feature, that and a decent hop finish for the style, but this is nothing unique or special, just well made and approachable warm weather brew. i wish this was available someplace other than their taproom.