Comma
Carton Brewing Company

My first go at a "Blaison." 2019 version. It looks like a black IPA: dark mahogany - nearly black, with a half finger of khaki-colored head and a thin, creamy coating of lacing. It doesn't have the classic Saison smell; I don't detect any banana, clove or coriander. Rather, there is a lot of pepper along with the expected Belgian yeast aroma. The taste is very peppery: it's a strong, freshly-ground pepper but behind it there is some subtle citrus and cracker. It's different from any other beer I've tasted but very tasty. The mouth feel is lite and crisp with a pleasant level of carbonation and at only 4.2% ABV and 42 IBU it goes down very easily. Overall, this is not a subtle beer but I found it to be a really fun change of pace. If you like black pepper, then don't pass Comma by!

 

On tap at Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza. Pours a dark brown mahogany hue with moderate frothing. Ardent aroma replete with hints of plum and raisin. Similar overall flavor profile.

 

All the qualities of a saison with a peppery front flavor, then immediately dries out into a bitter and fleeting finish. Not bad.

 

 

 

 

 

Always like trying a new Carton beer. And always love a new saison.

This one pours a very dark stout like black. The creamy head retains well and has a khaki color. Nice lacing too. If I were to judge it by looms alone I would have guessed they poured me the wrong beer.

The nose is a very pleasant mix of pepper and herbs. Notes of lemon and thyme as well. No real perceived malt influence in the scent.

In the taste the black pepper is very strong, but keeps from being overpowering. The herbal mix is difficult to pick out and the phenolics give the impression of a fresh lemon curry. Finishes the requisite dry as expected for a saison. Maybe a hint of chocolate or I'm just pushing the dark color into my mind and expecting it.

Mouthfeel is fuller than expected for a saison, yet very lively carbonation. Very good and enjoyable beer on this moderately warm summer day. Another good beer from Carton.