Saisonal
Arbor Ales

A 500ml bottle with a BB of Nov 2014, so it's a little out of date. Purchased a while back from Trembling Madness in York. A collaborative brew between Arbor and Wiper & True - described on the label as a farmhouse ale fermented with saison yeast and generously hopped for a fruity character. Citra and Galaxy are the varieties used.

A: Poured into a tulip pint glass. Bottle conditioned. A very hazy orange-amber hue with plentiful fine sediment and intense carbonation. Produces a vast head of creamy off-white foam with good retention; this steadily subsides to a thick surface layer. Some lacing.

S: Aroma of fruity yeast esters and hops with hints of mild tropical fruits, citrus, white grape, spice, subtle white pepper, vague caramel malt, earthiness and faint stewed leaves. Nice - the yeast and hops complement each other well.

T: Tastes of saison yeast and aromatic hops with a lingering dry finish. Notes of mild tropical fruit, citrus, white grape, fruity yeast esters, spice, white pepper, earthiness, caramel malt and stewed hops. Well-attenuated, followed by a yeasty aftertaste and a delicate bitterness upon swallowing.

M: Mouthfeel is smooth, tingly and very dry, with lively carbonation and good body. Hop oils stimulate the palate. Pretty astringent, accompanied by an aftertaste of earthy saison yeast, fruity aromatic hops, mild malt and stewed leaves.

O: A tasty hybrid brew. Looks alright (though cloudy), while the aroma and flavour are a complex blend of saison yeast esters, fruity hops, mild malt and earthiness. Good body. Quite dry, but goes down without complaint - a decent modern saison.