Strawberry Saison
Country Boy Brewing

 

 

 

Not since Boones Farm of my pre-pubescent days have I been so eager to drink a strawberry-infused drink. but layered upon a sturdy farmhouse foundation, the true essence of the berry shines- its tartness, its delicate earthiness and its unique fruit essence tell the senses that summer is indeed here.

Luckily I didn't have to sneak out of the house to try strawberry beer this time, Country Boy's Strawberry Saison pours a peachy rouge that announces the fruit character within. A light a wisping froth quickly dissolves and leaves in its wake a tangy, pungent and perfumy strawberry scent, seemingly plucked straight from the field. Its taste is lightly bready-sweet taking on angel-food cake character with a mild sourdough earthen twang.

In true farmhouse fashion, the moderate sweetness soon dissipates and the beer's natural fruit and spice character skirts its strawberry additions with cider, vinous white wine, pear and citrus and then a peppery, cumin-like balance. Its after palate is one of a spice-forward flavor and much more of the tang and tartness of strawberry than its succulent sweetness.

Medium-light on the palate, the beer's early creaminess quickly gives way to mild acidity and a peppery taste, exposing the beer's more rustic, tart and unrefined Belgianesque roots. But the medium-length aftertaste is all about that strawberry perfume.