Little Star
The Ale Apothecary

 

Little Star 10/10/23. Pint can served in a tulip. Pale straw yellow color, lightly cloudy, with a moderately thick white head forming on top. Looks just like a saison should. Aroma has a bit more citrus fruit than I'd expect, maybe even lime zest, but it's mild. Flavor is decidedly tart, but not overly aggressive. I still get that zesty citrus taste pulling through the sourness, but I was afraid Heather flowers would be way too delicate to come through in a sour Brett beer like this, but the finish has a kind of floral honey flavor which is actually quite pleasant, once my palate acclimates to the acidity.

Poured into a Gulden Draak tulip. Pours a hazy, light to medium golden amber with a quarter finger white head with good retention and light lacing. Aroma of grainy malt, saison yeast, pear and apple juice, hints of funk and some mild floral notes. Flavor is grainy malt, saison and wild yeast, lemon, lightly floral with some mild oak. Moderate citrus tartness. Medium bodied with light to moderate creaminess and sharp carbonation. I've been watching for a less wild offering from this brewery as I'm not a fan of wild ales and this saison seemed to be a good compromise and a style I'm comfortable with. Although this leans to the tarter side of the saison spectrum, it has a winning citrus tartness that is not too acidic for me. The oak and heather notes are mild, but add some nice light character to this saison. Nice saison malt. A refreshing, light, flavorful farmhouse style ale. A collaboration acknowledging their sources for malt, hops, yeast and partner brewery and all for charity. Nicely done.