The Closer
Ten Ninety Brewing Company

 

Big roasted malt forward saison. Drinks significantly lighter than an almost 11% saison should. I was really surprised how much I liked it. This is my first beer from Ten Ninety and I will probably visit the brewery soon as this beer really impressed me and they are located fairly close to me.

 

Imperial in strength, toasty in flavor and laced with the fruity spiciness that make saisons so inspiring, Ten Ninety takes the farmhouse style to a place that's rarely tasted.

Dark and coffee-like, The Closer builds a cream but short light sandy froth. As its scent builds, those coffee impression become more evident. Hints of caramel, honey, burnt fruit and sharp spice all tingle the nose along with a slight hint of brandy spice. Its sweeter upstart is of over cooked caramel, honey and a hint of molasses.

Then the sweetness recedes on the middle palate, the toastier edges of the beer start to stand out with burnt toast, coffee, baker's chocolate and roasted walnut in a nearly espresso-like way. The fruitiness of dark grape, cherry and burnt apple add a savory element of intrigue while a spice of peppercorn, clove, allspice and fortified wine round out the beer's balance to close.

Full bodied, creamy and retaining a bulk of malt sweetness, The Closer finishes roasty and sweet, much more fuller than what's expected of Saison. Its a strong but formidable ale that seems to not have a home in any one style, but has a favorable spicy sweetness with fruit nuances that extends with a roasty aftertaste.

Abv is VERY evident. Very charred flavor with cacao flavors. Excellent beer with superb charring but not overpowering. Nice for dipping , nothing more. You’ve been warned!

Carried to the curb from Beermiscuous and bought from their remainder shelf. But this beer should be made again.
Curiously, the key to The Closer and Ten Ninety is how they amp-out styles to 1.09 gravity. Saisons often are 75% less.

Of course, there are consequences for such high ABV; particularly for a saison. The Closer is sweet compared to the competition... and, of course, much darker and less hoppy. But as a malt-head, that is part of 1090's genius that I want to enjoy more of. Despite being wowed, I must say The Closer pushes the saison envelope too far. I consider The Closer to be a slightly spicy quad... actually a near-great quad. Bring it back next fall.

1090 is on my BBBL. I can even take the train, if I get my timing right. I won't drink The Closer with my dinner. But I will drink it as my nightcap. And then I will let Metra be my driver... and a short ride home.