Anniversary Beer 2014
Smog City Brewing Co.

On tap at Smog City Brewing in Torrance, CA.

2014 anniversary saison brewed with Merlot grape must.

Pours a clear gold with a foamy bone head that settles to wisps of film on top of the beer. Small streaks of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of grain, earth, spice, yeast, and wine grape aromas. Taste is much the same with grain, spice, and wine grape flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of spice bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer that is tasty and easy to drink, even with its higher ABV.

Serving type: on tap.

 

 

 

 

Pours a pale yellow. Nose is pretty fruity, but not in an overwhelming sense. It's definitely unique as far as saisons are concerned. It's got some clear fruit flavors and some grassy notes. I think I even sense some spice notes in there. What I enjoyed, but what made it a bit of an odd saison, was the hop bite on the finish. Very good, but not what I expect from this style.

"Strong Saison with Merlot"

Had a cup from growler at a friend's house, and from the tap at Smog City Taproom the next day (I was very impressed and had to have another.) (6-8-2014)

A - A deep dark golden/almost-orange, with a little bit of sparkle from the light head that dissipated moderately fast.

S - Hops. Piney, bitter. Smells like an IPA or a hoppy American Amber/Red. I got a bit worried at this point, cause I hate really hoppy/bitter beers.

T - Upfront bitter hops that immediately smoothed and rounded out with a complex, vinous character. There is a hint of butter that came through better when I had it from my friend's growler, but not as much from the tap. The buttery-ness is what sold me. The taste and butter fills out nicely as it warms.... probably better to drink on the warmer side. Definitely hops but not too much for me, followed by a wine-y taste mouthfeel, but still definitely a beer. I wouldn't have though "saison," as the brewery suggests, but rather a sort of "imperial red," I guess. But it is so much more than that.... it can't be categorized.

M - Medium to light. At 8.3%, I noticed no alcohol. Like a fine wine.

O - Outstanding. I've never tasted any beer like it. When I got it at the tap, they said there was almost not enough left to fill a growler... I felt quite lucky to have it. As it's called the "Anniversary Beer," I'm not sure how often it's brewed or if they'll ever brew it again, but it's definitely one I'll remember and be happy to have again. In general I hate hoppy beers, but I do tolerate decent amounts of hops if the rest of the taste justifies it. I've had only one beer this hoppy that I actually enjoyed; Pliny The Elder.