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HenHouse Brewing

formerly called soft saison, which i dont recall every having, but remember seeing and liking the name and sort of approach to the style. these guys have done at least a couple of different clean saisons over the years, this might be the most basic of them. its real light, clear for the style, and maybe done with nothing more than a basic cultured french ale yeast strain, not overly estery or run too hot or anything, but this is fully a known entity, nothing rustic or farmy to discover or unpack in it, its just a fermentation forward drinker without much intrigue. that said, its real well made beer, a nice mild expression of this yeast, and i think it shines for its simplicity, i also really like the name. golden with an airy white belgian looking head, aroma of mild earthy spiciness, white pepper maybe, pale wheat malt, crackery pils malt, and light herbal bitterness. subtle orange blossom note, light mineral thing too, hay and straw and grass, nutty slightly too, hints of green pear and pink bubblegum in the yeast profile, but its all in balance. the flavor is similar, good grain depth for being this pale, i can taste a couple of malts but its both dry and light. soft indeed in texture. the yeast has a slightly soapy front, and a faintly spicy back, but has cool candied citrus and even white wine notes in between, and its mild all things considered. good balance to this with some finishing noble hop character, and the carbonation is high and refined. not necessarily the kind of saison that moves me, but a nice clean one that is expertly put together.

 

 

Light straw yellow body with no real head. Aroma gives off hints of lemon and lime and a pale malt base. Taste is slightly dry with a strong tinge of lemon zest and dare I say salt. Almost taste like a gose. There is a slight barnyard funk, but not a ton per style. Mouthfeel is light with a mineral astringency. Highly session-able, even if not accurate to style guidelines.