Prairie Ale
Prairie Artisan Ales

4.59/5  rDev +12.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

Rating from notes. Consumed April 2014. "Lovely Belgian-style saison with a hint of funk that adds some nice complexity. A first rate farmhouse ale that I would happily buy again. Well done."

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4/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured a constantly carbonating clear gold body with a one-finger head that died quickly. I got minimal funk and yeast and instead the spices and minimal candi-sugar esque maltiness somehow came across as apple cider. A smooth, clean, light-bodied saison with a prickly carbonation, some acidic sharpness, touches of pepper and spice, all balanced with a light malty and fruity sweetness so the beer is not too sharp or funky.

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4.35/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

This was poured into a tulip. The appearance was a healthy looking golden yellow to orange with a fair brown color in the center of the beer. The head was about a finger’s worth of soft white foaminess that dissipated gently to leave a gentle strings of lacing. The smell started off with a black pepper and light spicy connotation of the hop content. There’s a nice sweet grassy quality with a light lemongrass coming in. The taste was smooth and sweet with a decent light spiciness to enliven my taste buds. On the palate, this one sat about a light to medium on the body with a fairly decent sessionability about it. The carbonation was somewhat sharp but still a decent smoothness rolling around on my tongue. Overall, this was a very good offering from a pretty stellar company.

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3.6/5  rDev -12%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Almost clear golden color with off-white head. Aroma has sweet malt, yeast notes, some meadow flowers and apricot notes. Taste starts slightly malty and sweet with floral notes, slightly astringent on the finish. Lingers with floral yeast notes. Medium body and carbonation. Overall it's decent but slightly too sweet and yeasty for my taste.

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4.84/5  rDev +18.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Prairie artisan ales Prairie ale. Poured into a Teku glass with an ample 2 plus fingers of fluffy head. Supreme carbonation streaming up from the glass.

Aroma is a bouquet of Belgian yeast character. A bit dry on the nose and a bit funky, almost like that of Brett. Some white wine character with a surprising amount of oak.

Taste is pure Belgian bliss. I would compare this to any of the best Belgian ales available. I prefer this, as it remains relatively dry throughout the sip. Moderate amount of Belgian spice, some fresh cut hay, a little bit of funk. A light citrusy kick in the middle with a mild dry bittering finish.

Overall, this is a superb beer. It is paired with Brie, truffled Gouda, chorizo, salami, and Serrano ham. It gets a 97/100.

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4.41/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Picked up a 500 ml bottle from Craft Beer Hop Stop on Veteran's Day for $9.99. Bottled on 11-23-15.

Beer poured orange with a nice white head that has some nice hang time.

Nose is barnyard all the way - legit!

Taste is awesome, lemongrass, peppery, and a touch of leather and band aids.

Feel is just as great, light in body and each sip dances so lightly across the palate.

Overall i have to say this is definitely in my top 3 of saisons world wide - beautiful job Prairie!

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4.21/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

16.9 oz bottle pour slightly hazy straw yellow that begins with significant foam and lacing, but dissipates over drinking.
Initial sour/tart taste is balanced out as well. Most prominent notes are citrus and spice and a classic Belgian style farmhouse/saison dankness. Slight, but balanced carbonation. Prairie Artisan Ales are always outstanding, and this one only further confirms that.
ABV 8.2%

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4.24/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Appearance: I could feel the cork wanting to explode so I got the bottle into the sink just in time and was able to pour it into the glass before it gushed; as often happens when pressure builds, the head in the glass is not as big as anticipated and, in this case, it fades rather quickly above the clear golden liquid; a few squiggles of lace hang around

Smell: Belgian yeast, leathery funk, grassy, fruity and spicy

Taste: Floral and apple tones bring sweetness to the tip of the tongue with grassy, peppery, phenolic elements building; funky, through the middle, with a leathery character; some resdual fruity sweetness blends with the funk in the finish

Mouthfeel: Medium body with moderate to high carbonation

Overall: Not a classic Saison but a fascinating beer, nonetheless; a lot going on in many directions that somehow work well together

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4.25/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Pours a hazy golden straw color with a frothy, white head that leaves little chunks of lacing.

Smells of citrus zest, floral notes, and some spice.

Tastes of some fruity notes along with plenty of spice and some malt sweetness underneath it. Fruity note lead off with tart apples, pear, and some apricot along with white grapes. Malts add net with a bit of wheat and some syrupy sweetness. Floral notes come next along with grassy notes. Spicy notes come towards the end with white pepper and clove, as well as some coriander. Finishes with a bit of spice and some alcohol warmth.

Mouthfeel is medium-full with a smooth amount of carbonation.

Overall, this is a tasty saison.

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4.25/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

A: Poured into a Duvel tulip to a slightly hazed straw yellow with a three finger dense and rocky white head that retains very well and leaves good lacing
S: Smells of light lemony tartness, barnyard funk, dry pale malts with some spicy saaz hops. Hints of band aids on the nose too
T: Taste is slight lemony tartness up front with that barnyard funk, band aids come in as well, some spicy hop as well as some light doughy malt. Swallow is light tartness and more band aids and barnyard with some slight honey sweetness and lingering spice.
M: This beer is on the lighter side of medium in body with slightly prickly carbonation and a drying finish
O: This is a very good Saison. The flavors are all there and there aren't many faults to this beer. It's very complex and drinks very well. It's perfect for a hot summer day. It's not too spicy if spicy saisons aren't your thing though.

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4.39/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

This a great saison. The smell is very complex, didn't find the pineapple, but smelled orange/tangerine in there. It's got the classic belgian saison tastes, although it's more sour than most belgian saisons. Like other successes from Prairie, it's quite a complex brew, and that makes it all the more enjoyable. It's got very fresh hop aromas, there's also a clear fresh herb or grass component in there. It was perfect with neufchatel cheese. This is now the best American saison I've had.

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4.49/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 22 oz. bottle into a Duvel tulip glass.

Appearance: Pours a cloudy golden orange with a moderate amount of bubbles. Big three finger white head with decent retention. Nice lacing.

Smell: A spicy and fruity Farmhouse style aroma with a scent of Belgian style spices and citrus fruit. Belgian yeast with a scent of clove, peppers, farmhouse funk, and brett. Citrus hop scent of orange peel, grapefruit, lemon, mango, and pineapple. Some grassy hop hints. Malt hints of grains and cracker. Also some fruit hints of banana, pear, and apple. Hints of candied sugar. A really solid aroma.

Taste: Like it smells, a spicy and fruity Farmhouse style taste with notes of spices and tropical fruit. Belgian yeast with notes of clove, pepper, farmhouse funk, and brett. Citrus hop notes of orange peel, grapefruit, mango, lemon, and pineapple. Also some fruit notes of banana, apple, and pear along with some grassy hops. Malt notes of cracker, grains, and biscuit. Sweet notes of honey and candied sugar. A pretty good taste.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with a moderate amount of carbonation. Juicy, spicy, and drying.

Overall: A very good juicy take on a Belgian Saison. Good mix of spicy yeast flavor and citrus hops.

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4.02/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

pours a light hazed lemon gold nice fluffy brilliant white head with nice lacing, smell is citrus and lemon grass and funky farm house, with a malt sweetness, taste has crisp hops to start with citrus and grass a touch of funk with sweet malts, dry mouth feel with above average carbonation , liked the saaz hops in this its crisp dry and refreshing slight funked a great saison

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4.25/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

served chilled from bomber to tulip

A: cloudy light gold with a frothy pillowy slightly off white head (about 2 fingers) with good retention and a little lacing.
S: funky light sourness, grassy, light pine, and tropical fruit lushness with a touch of malt.
T: lush tropical fruit, spicy cracked pepper bread malt backer, and a light honey sweetness. slightly bitter finish
F: medium/light body, high carbonation, crisp with a nice dry finish

bottomline (aka personal opinion time):
absolute killer example of the style. the yeast is in fine form here, nailing what the style calls for. there are more funky saison's out there for sure, but if you're new to the style, this is the one you'll want to base all other's upon, as it balances the funk to a near perfect degree, letting the brew get weird with the yeast while still maintaining a controlled aspect. this one could very well be your pad from which to jump into actual wild brews (with wild yeast!) so take notes and savor the experience.

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4.05/5  rDev -1%
look: 3.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

I've made soups clearer and less chunky than the contents of this bottle. Many great things can (and have been) said about Prairie Ale but, if we're being honest, it's got a look only a mother could love. Riddled with crouton-sized sediment, this flat, ghastly pale, utterly opaque beer looks like pineapple nectar.

Sourness typically reflects an infection or lack of quality control but, under the right circumstances, controlled inoculation with wild yeasts and bacteria can make for ales of unrivaled complexity that are mysteriously irresistible. This Brett-induced Saison is definitely one of those examples.

While tasting notes that list yogurt, cheese rinds and festering fruits may sound unappetizing, I assure you it's anything but. The soured, stinky features of the aroma have a strange magnetism that draws you in, then flavours of pulpy puree, fruit blossoms, and spicy coriander keep you going back. Mmmm.

Things aren't as exciting on the palate even though it consists of the same elements. Still, while tastes of grapefruit and apricot are relatively mild, be ready for a tidal wave of refreshment! A mouthfeel made up of crisp wheat, zestful spice, nervy acidity and lemonade-like tartness is capital P pleasing.

Wait - this is 8.2% alcohol? Wow. Didn't notice it one bit.

Prairie Ale has far too much Brettanomyces to be called a "classic Saison" in the traditional sense, but it's pretty classic in the modern American microbrewery context: it's a fun, funky, sour rendition of a farmhouse ale that, as I hope I've made clear, is both immensely approachable and enjoyable.

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3.8/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

A 16.9 fl oz (500ml) bottle with a Julian bottled on date of 24114, meaning it was bottled on 29th August 2014. It was poured into a Duvel tulip glass.

Appearance: It poured a cloudy golden colour with a 2 finger pillowy white head that dissipates slowly leaving nice lacing.

Aroma: Nice funky farmhouse aromas with some pineapple, sour apple, light honey, some citrus and pepper.

Taste: Lemon juice, green apple, honey and pepper. Surprisingly a little on the sweet side.

Mouthfeel: Dry, light to medium bodied with high carbonation.

Overall: Great colour and aromas although it was surprisingly on the sweet side for me.

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4.31/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

L - a deep orange encroaching the brown spectrum.

S - Smells like pine, fresh cut grass and tropical fruit. Very pleasant but light.

T- very very nice, pineapple, mango, papaya? you get that type of deal on the frontand middle with the malt, the hops are pleasant. Very bready on the finish.

MF - enjoyable. light but not thin.

O - solid solid contribution to the beer world. Classic Saison is nail on the head. Very nice.

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4.6/5  rDev +12.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A really great beer! Poured into a pint glass. This beer is so fragrant, sweet and floral. Great head, light lacing with a cloudy yellow color. Great saison taste, orange and citrus, sweet spice, and pepper corn. Would drink more often except for the price!

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4.46/5  rDev +9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Bottle brought from Kris Wines in Islington, North London for the record price for a bottle for me of £10, So I'm expecting something special! Pours a cloudy yellow colour with a foamy white head. Aromas of spice, coriander & orange. Tastes has a fresh feel to it with orange, lemon, coriander & spice present with a medium carbonation. Aftertaste has a orange & lemon with sweet mild alcoholic. Overall a outstanding Saison worth the money and better than some Saison's I've tasted from some Belgium breweries.

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3.46/5  rDev -15.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 2.25 | overall: 4

A: A nice cloudy golden straw.

S: Funky to say the least, I get wet horse blanket, freshly mowed morning grass, spicy bread, and some subtle but pleasant citrus.

T: Much like the Aroma I'm experiencing a tug of war, or better yet chess match of flavors. There is complexity that hard to describe in that there is a strong sweetness, yet astringent bitterness, with a subtle spice and as it warms a little alcohol heat thanks to the 8.2% ABV. A true Royal Rumble of taste is you will.

F: Ah, yes... bready, honestly the yeast made me desire cheese and meat since the bread had been provided through my first sip. Very excuse my term for lack of better words fluffy and enjoyable.

Pairing Opinion: Other than the obvious mussels and fries, I would say that this wine like, bready, funky beer, would pair well with lightly spiced food, seafood (sushi specifically), and a nice rosemary brazed lamb.
Thanks for reading!
Prost!

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4.12/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: pours a hazy gold with a lovely high fluffy white head that lasts forever.

S: dried apples, white wine, funk and grassyness, very nice.

T: very much follows the nose, with a very interesting battle between dry/sweet happening in the mouth the entire time. Nice spices come in on the finish as well, a bit peppery.

M: lighter bodied with very active carbonation, as mentioned above a dry finish is noticeable.

O: I really enjoyed this beer, I loved the taste and the interesting dry/sweet battle that occurred in my mouth. I think this is a great American version of a saison, and I would recommend it highly to anyone.

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4.34/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Pour: Bomber bottle poured into a nonic pint. Appearance: Straw yellow with a bit of cloudiness. Thick white head. Very effervescent. Aroma: Spicy with a bunch of yeast. Malt notes detected as well. Taste: Yeasty and surprisingly malty. Definite pepper notes. Lots of funk and grassy. Aftertaste: Lingering bite. Dry finish with some tart to it. Overall: Surprised a bit by the malt notes but loved the rest. Very good. 4 out of 5.

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4.08/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

American saisons, to my taste, mostly miss the mark. They are either too thin and hoppy or heavy and syrupy but I was pleasantly surprised when I poured this. When poured the beer had a delightful life and effervescence to it. The head was nice and the color a beautiful straw yellow, slightly murky. There were elements that reminded me of one of my favorite French Saisons; Brasserie Lebbes L'Amalthee, a fresh clean earthy taste. The bottle that I tried was a little young so I picked up a couple of extras and will put them away for a couple of months to see how it will age. Looking forward to having more of this.

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4.02/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

L: Poured from a bottle to pint glass. Had a bright yellow color and a cloudy consistency. There was a big, fluffy, creamy, long-lasting head. Pretty good lacing.

S: A nice aroma of malt, yeast, spices and fruit.

T: Tasted of a lot of malt, pepper, light fruit (pineapple), the typical saison funk, a little hops, and yeast. There's a bit of a mustiness to the flavor that takes away from the overall quality of the taste. On the whole, a solid, well done flavor.

F: A good amount of carbonation with a dry, musty finish. Medium-bodied.

O: Prairie Ale is a pretty focused, easy to like beer. A good American version of a Belgian-style beer.

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4.01/5  rDev -2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

Thanks to tenderbranson69 for sharing this at our saison tasting, enjoyed chilled in a willybecker.

The color is slightly hazy medium amber with 3 fingers plus of head with fine bead. The smell has a nice fragrance of brettanomyces. The feel is good with slight funk in the middle nice balance.

I enjoy the way the tropical quality with a mild pineapple flavor comes out with a slight citrus effect in the taste, very enjoyable. Thanks again to my brother for the share it is a quality beer I would drink again.

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