VI Kumquat Saison
Wicked Weed Brewing

 

Enjoyed on tap at Wicked Weed in Asheville, NC. The pour is very clear and gold in color with about a finger of fine white puffy head that is quite well sustained. The nose is faint (it is served a bit too chilled to really nose it properly), but I get some lemon notes and a nice pleasant mustiness characteristic of the style.

Light-medium body with a firm feel. The flavor is stony dry and musty through and through. Light cracker-like wheatiness up front, then some fruity bitterness and a dry, musty lemon rind finish. The beer sweetens a bit as it warms and de-gasses and some orange and melon flavors start to come through.

My first Saison from Wicked Weed and I was quite impressed. Saisons are something of an acquired taste and I find that uninitiated beer lovers expecting them to taste like pale ales or IPAs are often put off by them. I used to avoid them myself until a couple summers ago when I made it a point to try as many as possible (my ``Summer of Saisons''). Now I really appreciate them and love trying new ones. This one is a bit pithy and bitter on the finish, but very true to the style. The use of kumquats provides an interesting fruity component and makes this one a welcome interpretation.