Estatoe Path Sour Golden
Hi-Wire Brewing

Although modern day Saison has been clearly defined and somewhat pigeon-holed into tight constraints, historic Farmhouse Saison had a wide range and scope of artistry, rusticity and charm. Hi-Wire Brewing is keeping those traditions alive with a sour golden ale, brewed in the farmhouse style and allowed to sour with localized honey.

Estatoe Path pours a foggy golden hue while building a creamy stark-white froth. As its scent rises from the rim, the nose is stricken with white wine, cider, citrus, orchard fruit and a peppery sourness that's reminiscent of oak and yeast. A sweeter tone however layers first on the tongue to highlight the floral honey character that carries a light biscuit, sourdough and wafer maltiness.

As the flavors evolve, the sweetness relaxes on the middle palate and the floral fruitiness continues to grow. White grape, lemon, pear, green apple and orange pull from the honey and the malt before playing counter to a later spice blend of peppercorn, clove, cumin and weathered woods. All wrapped in a brancingly tart finish, the session trends winey, cidery and peppery in true saison fashion.

Medium bodied for sour ale but still quite refreshing and crisp, Estatoe Path finishes spicy with a boozy complement to seem like a rustic and complex oak-aged chardonnay with an afterglow of sourdough and dry hay. Even a hint of floral honeysuckle adds an element of whimsy and softness as the session falls away.

Appearance: Pours an almost clear golden color with a fizzy one finger head that fades to a ringlet; shards of lacing

Smell: Tart with spicy yeast phenols and a hint of sweetness

Taste: Tart flavors at the outset with a hint of lemon/lime; there is a slight underlying sweetness; oaky, in the middle, with a moderately sour but dry finish

Mouthfeel: Medium body with low to moderate carbonation; slight warmth in the gullet

Overall: A nice effort here; some good flavors all around with moderate sourness, some complexity and a dry, but somewhat sour finish