Saison: Spiced
Partizan Brewery

A 330ml bottle with a BB of Jan 2014. Acquired a while back from Trembling Madness in York. Described on the label as Traditional, Spiced - which I presume means it follows in the footsteps of it's Belgian forebears....

Poured into a Delirium chalice. Bottle conditioned. A deep, hazy orange-amber hue with chunky sediment and plentiful carbonation. Produces a vast head of creamy white foam that resembles a meringue; this slowly reduces to a thick surface layer. Patchy lacing. Aroma of fruity yeast esters with hints of tart apples, clove, pepper, spice, phenolics, grain, subtle funk, faint banana and earthiness. Complex and delicious - fantastic.

Tastes of spicy, funky saison yeast with a bone-dry finish. Notes of clove, pepper, spice, phenolics, apples, mild apricot, faint banana, herbs, a hint of funkiness and earthy yeast. Highly attenuated, followed by a delicate bitterness upon swallowing. Mouthfeel is smooth, tingly and very dry, with spritzy carbonation and good body. Rather astringent, with an aftertaste of fruity, earthy yeast, spice and a twinge of funk.

Impressive - Partizan have made the style their own. It looks superb and the aroma is simply amazing; spicy, fruity yeast notes abound. Great flavour - dry and fruity/spicy. The body is lovely. A sterling effort that gives the Belgians a run for their money. Very tasty - if you're a fan of the style then don't pass up an opportunity to try this.

 

Kinda hazy and a little darker than expected, but by no means dark – sort of borderline amber, a light caramel color. The head is puffy and white and short-lived. So I'm not sure it looks the look but it does smell the smell – bruised apples, delicate coriandery spice, a drop of honey, and a some herbal tea-like hop notes. Brisk and light on the palate with foamy carbonation, with a malt character like fresh sourdough bread crust and a rush of spice and hops in the finish. It is a little soapy but also quite balanced and refreshing. The lingering aftertaste is a gentle hop bitterness. It almost drinks like a pilsner – simpler and a little bit more dry than I'd expect from the style, but very enjoyable. A great summery beer and a potential winner with seafood or salads.