Saison De La Strega
Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery

one of the best beers i have ever had, and hands down the best from these guys have ever come across. its truly incredible. originally brewed for halloween, it is a black saison with fresh basil in it, and all of the elements come together here in a wholly unique way. i was lucky enough to catch one of the last kegs of this over there that they put on for spring down at vine street, and feeling blessed about it. slightly hazy black brew, no shine or anything, but no sediment either, and a one inch permanent foamy head, just off white, nice contrast there, and sexy lace as it sips. the nose blows me away, its fresh genovese basil, full on culinary herb to the dome, pungent and fresh as can be, intense until i get used to it. one of those beers i had to sit there and smell awhile before i could drink it. roasty dark malts provide a very different kind of base for this flavor, and the saison yeast is more french than belgian, which usually turns me off but is on point in this one. the first sip is just incredible, basil forward, dark green pulpy fresh basil, but the black malt makes an amazing counterpoint to it, earthy, short of charred but darkly roasted, light hint of unbrewed coffee grounds. the yeast adds a white wine element and just a touch of barnyard funk to this, neat fermentation quality about it. its crazy how dry this is, no basil, no roast, no bitter, and certainly no sugars linger after the swallow, it literally disappears. carbonation is well charged and the medium body seems perfect for making a night of this one. as good in the spring as i could see it being in the fall. this is without question the best use of basil i have ever seen in a beer, i wish they would make it all the time. i hope it comes back around, this was unforgettable for me. full marks to mountain sun/vine street for this one!