Biere De Guarde Dog
Off Color Brewing

 

 

 

 

a nice take on the style, although a whole lot less yeasty than these usually are. for me, it seems a lot like a honey ale, i really smell the raw summery honey in this, whether its actually there or not. its clear for the style, not made murky by a funky yeast residual, and very pale in color. the sense tell me honey, and its hard to look past that. i would put the yeast more in the belgian family than in the typical saison family, although where the two differentiate themselves, they are also united. the beer isnt overly flavorful, which i guess i kind of like, and its not as orange peely as others either, so its just sort of a mellow sipper, more interesting than an american blonde or something, but not significantly so. off color has done a really nice job making their beer distinct but subtle, and this one is definitely that. enjoyed on tap at tap and handle in fort collins, a wonderful little establishment with one of the best beer programs in the state.

 

 

Tasted on draft at Firkin on January 9, 2015.

 

 

 

 

Served from tap in a tumbler at Firkin.

I'm a sucker for non-hop-related puns... Anyway, this stuff pours a clear brass topped by a finger of off-white foam. The nose comprises mildly-tart lemon zest, light Belgian yeast, French bread, and a hint of black pepper. The taste brings in more of the same, basically creating a bready (sourdough, to be specific) saison base with a strong vein of tartness running through it. The body is a light medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a sorta/kinda drying finish. Overall, a very tasty and enjoyable brew, one I look forward to seeing more of around town.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glowing saturated orange, thin layer of creamy foam, minimal spotty lacing around the edges.

Yeasty and fruity with a mild maltiness coming though, yeast esters lend some peach and mild spice.

Lightly tart and Belgian yeast driven, moderate malty notes. Clean with a medium bodied feel, creamy texture. Smooth and fairly drinkable, though one was enough for me. Interesting take on a fairly obscure style.