Barrel Aged Saison
pFriem Family Brewers

 

 

incredibly refined and drinkable, a brilliant expression of this brett strain, or mix of strains, and i beer i accidentally found myself basically pounding, its so light, so dry, so refined for being wild like this, nuanced but not made heavy by the wood, super complex although in a still approachable way, this is really wonderful stuff. edition vi on tap at the source, not sure how much this changes from batch to batch, they list the strength for this iteration at 5.6% abv. the clarity is unexpected for what it is, strikingly light. the head is high and belgian and lasting, and the nose is white wine oak, vanilla there too, fresh herbal and floral notes, and it seems right on for summer, trace orange zest, raw coconut, and honeydew, delicate but also super funky with old farmy notes, some rustic but clean wheat, and an alluring wild element. the flavor boasts a mature but also tidy brett profile, still dry and tight, well developed but in no way dominant. the grain also stays light, dry, and earthy and organic, lending very little meat to this, and i dont miss it, part of what makes it a bit of a ripper on the whole. such a light palate, citrus, bursting effervescence, fast finish gone almost before the swallow in a funky bretty wash, not too woody but distinctly wood aged, almost too refined, but it lets the brett speak in a softer tone. adored this, want more immediately. would love to try some of the other editions of this from over the years, but this one is just immensely delicious. had another epic time at pfriem this time around, one of the best in the entire northwest!

Version IV, brewed 2021. Tasted 2022-04-05.

Mostly clear golden straw yellow, light head but dense and very sticky. Thick column of bubbles rising.

Smell is floral, grainy, and barnyard. Fantastic mix, really inviting.

Taste is very good, but a little on the simple side. I get more grains and pungent yeast, not as much else. A little bit on the finish.

Feel is outstanding. Fizzy fluffy goodness, I can still feel it long after taking a sip.

Really really good. I just wish more of the amazing aromas came through in the taste.

Version III, 2019

Appearance: Pours a cloudy golden color with a three fingered head of foam; excellent retention with clumpy lacing

Smell: Floral and vinous white wine grape, along with pineapple and a strong mineral element

Taste: Pineapple forward, with a vinous element building; strong mineral tones emerge, in the middle, and drive home the finish

Mouthfeel: Medium body with moderate to high carbonation

Overall: A really interesting Saison, with a barrel treatment, no less; the pineapple and mineral elements are fascinating

Thanks, The_Gingerbeard_man, for the opportunity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Into a tulip glass to watch consistent bubbles in the late sun of a spring day.

L - golden straw with lively but not overwhelming bubbles that maintained a thin, steady head
S - very promising, with oakiness and citrus, but what stood out for me was the perception of pineapple infused with the farm saison style
T - the pineapple and oak were there in the taste, along with maybe some white wine fruit from the aging, and a certain dry tasting hoppiness--a pleasant dry bitter that went well with the bubbles. Light on the funk--subtler farminess than some saisons
F - yes, the bubbles gave it good mouthfeel and didn't bite too hard
O - I appreciated this a lot, a subtle yet flavorful saison, leaning toward a dry wine. Classy.