Biere Du Pays
Side Project Brewing
Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- Farmhouse Ale - Saison
Ranked #48 - ABV:
- 4%
- Score:
- 95
Ranked #944 - Avg:
- 4.32 | pDev: 5.79%
- Reviews:
- 55
- Ratings:
- From:
- Side Project Brewing
- Missouri, United States
- Avail:
- Rotating/Seasonal
- Wants
- 80
- Gots
- 64
SCORE
95
World-Class
95
World-Class
Notes:
Bière du Pays is inspired by the classic Saisons from the country. An airy and fluffy malt bill is fermented with wild Missouri yeast and bacteria and our house Saison blend. This refreshing and delicate farmhouse ale was aged in wine barrels for several months before it was naturally conditioned.
Reviews: 55
| Ratings: 381
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jorden-kegeler from Michigan
4.25/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pouted from a 750 mL bottle. The color is very light yellow color. The aroma is a bit of funk with with a nice grain smell. The taste follows the smell with the typical SP acidity and a pillowy soft feel. Its a pretty simple beer, but tasty nonetheless.
Jan 12, 2021
4.25/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pouted from a 750 mL bottle. The color is very light yellow color. The aroma is a bit of funk with with a nice grain smell. The taste follows the smell with the typical SP acidity and a pillowy soft feel. Its a pretty simple beer, but tasty nonetheless.
Jan 12, 2021
WickedBeer from Alabama
4.17/5 rDev -3.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Blend #10 Bottle.
Similar to Grisette in its restrained citrusy tartness and acidity, but uniquely funky on the back end. A bright and elegantly crafted table beer; very much intrigued me to chase some of the fruited variants.
Oct 20, 2020
4.17/5 rDev -3.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Blend #10 Bottle.
Similar to Grisette in its restrained citrusy tartness and acidity, but uniquely funky on the back end. A bright and elegantly crafted table beer; very much intrigued me to chase some of the fruited variants.
Oct 20, 2020
Phyl21ca from Canada (QC)
3.98/5 rDev -7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Bottle: Poured a clear yellow color ale with a large foamy head with good retention and some lacing. Aroma of tart notes with light oak presence is enticing. Taste is a mix of sour and tart notes, some oak and light funky notes. Body is about average with good carbonation. Enjoyable but doesn’t have the depth I was expecting.
Jul 03, 2020
3.98/5 rDev -7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Bottle: Poured a clear yellow color ale with a large foamy head with good retention and some lacing. Aroma of tart notes with light oak presence is enticing. Taste is a mix of sour and tart notes, some oak and light funky notes. Body is about average with good carbonation. Enjoyable but doesn’t have the depth I was expecting.
Jul 03, 2020
hops_for_thought from New York
4.18/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from a bottle (blend 8) into a Belgian glass
L: pours a beautiful, clear light gold. Very effervescent when first pours, decent head that faded quickly
S: very nice, delicate nose. Herbal, floral, bit of citrus - some funk but minimal, nice oaky aroma. Traditional saison in a good way
T: get a lot more white wine/oak notes here - lemon, nectarine. Some pepper as well now that’s warmed. Appropriately acidic and tart, very crisp with a slightly sharp finish that fits well
F: medium carbonation, light body, great mouthfeel
O: a very good saison that impresses me more with how balanced and well executed the beer is overall more than any one aspect. One of those "standard" saisons that makes you appreciate how great the style can be, sad this is my last bottle
May 02, 2020
4.18/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from a bottle (blend 8) into a Belgian glass
L: pours a beautiful, clear light gold. Very effervescent when first pours, decent head that faded quickly
S: very nice, delicate nose. Herbal, floral, bit of citrus - some funk but minimal, nice oaky aroma. Traditional saison in a good way
T: get a lot more white wine/oak notes here - lemon, nectarine. Some pepper as well now that’s warmed. Appropriately acidic and tart, very crisp with a slightly sharp finish that fits well
F: medium carbonation, light body, great mouthfeel
O: a very good saison that impresses me more with how balanced and well executed the beer is overall more than any one aspect. One of those "standard" saisons that makes you appreciate how great the style can be, sad this is my last bottle
May 02, 2020
thebeers from Pennsylvania
4.33/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours a vibrant, cloudy orange-gold with a half-finger of soupy, bright white head. The head quickly settles into a wisp and sloppy crown that leaves thin sheets of lacing that slowly slide back down into the beer.
Lovely aroma of light citrus, hay, wood and a fairly traditional saison yeast. Just a hint of funk behind.
Moderately tart tasting, with plum and peach skins mixing beautifully with the light citrus and the oak. Again, there’s just a hint of funk and stone/clay in the background. Mildly puckering finish.
Light to medium bodied with a soft feel and moderate carbonation.
An absolute pleasure. This is a superbly crafted beer.
Jan 20, 2020
4.33/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours a vibrant, cloudy orange-gold with a half-finger of soupy, bright white head. The head quickly settles into a wisp and sloppy crown that leaves thin sheets of lacing that slowly slide back down into the beer.
Lovely aroma of light citrus, hay, wood and a fairly traditional saison yeast. Just a hint of funk behind.
Moderately tart tasting, with plum and peach skins mixing beautifully with the light citrus and the oak. Again, there’s just a hint of funk and stone/clay in the background. Mildly puckering finish.
Light to medium bodied with a soft feel and moderate carbonation.
An absolute pleasure. This is a superbly crafted beer.
Jan 20, 2020
Act25 from New Jersey
4.16/5 rDev -3.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
first try, amazingly different, peachy saison. Feel like I'm in France.
a) Hazy, peach body, with massively lacing white fluffy head that lasts.
s) faint sour, yeasty, peachy, orchard.
t) Adds many more flavors of fall orchard, wet grass, white wine, dry, fresh sawn wood.
f) Aspirin, yeasty, chalky, bright, fresh, clean.
o) Amazing how brewers can bring french countryside into mid-american brew. Bravo.
Nov 08, 2019
4.16/5 rDev -3.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
first try, amazingly different, peachy saison. Feel like I'm in France.
a) Hazy, peach body, with massively lacing white fluffy head that lasts.
s) faint sour, yeasty, peachy, orchard.
t) Adds many more flavors of fall orchard, wet grass, white wine, dry, fresh sawn wood.
f) Aspirin, yeasty, chalky, bright, fresh, clean.
o) Amazing how brewers can bring french countryside into mid-american brew. Bravo.
Nov 08, 2019
drdiesel9483 from Ohio
4.44/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
look - hazy peach
smell - sour tart farmhouse spicy
taste - tart very slight grapefruit white wine and oak
feel - silky slight crisp bite
overall - great very different beer
May 28, 2019
4.44/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
look - hazy peach
smell - sour tart farmhouse spicy
taste - tart very slight grapefruit white wine and oak
feel - silky slight crisp bite
overall - great very different beer
May 28, 2019
SierraNevallagash from Maine
4.44/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Endless gratitude, and thanks to Bstyle for his generosity, and for this beautiful bottle.
750ml bottle - batch 1 - poured into a tulip at around 45F.
Pours a crystal clear, honey golden colour, with three fingers of loose, arctic white head that quickly and loudly fizzle down to a headless, sparkling top. Lots of visible effervescence. Beautiful.
Nose: The aroma of this was evident during the pour alone. Sharp, acidic - both in a lactic and pedio way, with an olfactory bombardment of barnyard, farmhouse, and wild notes. Wine barrel notes are apparent, along with lots of buttery, vannilin, oaky undertones. There's some dusty grain underneath everything if you really dig for it, with wet hay, grass, and earthy funk. There's some lemony citrus character, and a good bit of mineral influence. Meadow and spring wildflower notes pop up, presumably due to light hopping. There's a lot going on, and there isn't anything shy about it.
Palate: On first sip, the tart lactobacillus character hits first and foremost. What probably stands out the most about this, is that despite how aggressive the pediococcus/vinegar acidity is on the nose, it really takes a back seat in terms of flavour. The beer is certainly tart, but the vast majority of that tartness is lemony lacto, with the acetic sour notes only comprising undertones and subtle notes, allowing the beer to drink more cleanly, and letting some of the more nuanced aspects shine. The minerality comes through strong, almost giving the illusion of salinity. About halfway through, the lacto tartness subsides a little, and the fruity characteristics of the wine begin to emerge, bringing subtle flavours of Muscat grape, raspberries, passionfruit, melon, apple, pear, and lychee. The tartness fades even more, revealing a drier mineral flavour, and some mild esters, bringing some classic unripe banana notes into the mix. We now approach the finish, with the fruitier notes falling back, and some of the more core ingredients of the beer emerging. The wheat becomes noticeable, along with some oak tannins, with the very rustic yeast esters continuing to linger. The finish, like the entire beer itself, is bone dry, with no significant grain sugars, and with no tartness to cover it up, the essence of everything else sort of floats above the palate, like a translucent ghost of everything you just experienced mere moments ago. The finish is clean, dry, and ever-so-slightly tannic, but with absolutely zero bitterness, from start to finish. As a side note, I would like to add that even though there is a meaningful acidity, at no point does it ever feel overbearing, or uncomfortable. I've had a few beers where you'll need a handful of Tums by your side, and I don't feel as though this is one of them. It's a quick flash in the pan, and then the beer becomes crisp and exceptionally drinkable.
Mouthfeel/Body: At 4% ABV, naturally, there is very little weight or heft to this beer. The body is light, but in no way thin or watery. It's crisp, refreshing, and incredibly drinkable. Still, there is more than enough going on in terms of flavour and intensity that you never really focus on how light the beer actually is. The wheat does add just the slightest bit of softness to the feel, but most of that is covered up not only by the initial sharpness, but the lively, champagne-like effervescence, which only furthers the crisp, airy feel. The bubbles are insanely fine, down to an almost quantum level, so it never feels sharp or scratchy. The beer is bone dry from start to finish.
Overall: I've had my fair share of wild ales, saisons, and other farmhouse-style ales, and I have to say that in my experience, this is easily one of the best examples of what these beers are capable of. This particular one is just so well refined, with all the rough edges smoothed over, and a great deal of subtle complexity to be found. It's just so cohesive and we'll executed, with nothing being over-the-top, or lacking in any way. It's tart, but not uncomfortably so. It's fizzy, but in such a fine and elegant manner. There's so much going on, but everything is stitched together so meticulously, that in doesn't happen in stages, but rather everything flows together smoothly, in one sweeping motion. It isn't wheaty, tacky, or grainy, and the yeast characteristics are kept in check. It isn't over-hopped to any degree at all, and it just feels composed and flawless. Not only does it have complexity and nuance, but the beer is quite simply utterly drinkable and refreshing. It shares many qualities of a world-class oak-aged grisette, and it's just a beautifully put-together farmhouse ale.
May 25, 2019
4.44/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Endless gratitude, and thanks to Bstyle for his generosity, and for this beautiful bottle.
750ml bottle - batch 1 - poured into a tulip at around 45F.
Pours a crystal clear, honey golden colour, with three fingers of loose, arctic white head that quickly and loudly fizzle down to a headless, sparkling top. Lots of visible effervescence. Beautiful.
Nose: The aroma of this was evident during the pour alone. Sharp, acidic - both in a lactic and pedio way, with an olfactory bombardment of barnyard, farmhouse, and wild notes. Wine barrel notes are apparent, along with lots of buttery, vannilin, oaky undertones. There's some dusty grain underneath everything if you really dig for it, with wet hay, grass, and earthy funk. There's some lemony citrus character, and a good bit of mineral influence. Meadow and spring wildflower notes pop up, presumably due to light hopping. There's a lot going on, and there isn't anything shy about it.
Palate: On first sip, the tart lactobacillus character hits first and foremost. What probably stands out the most about this, is that despite how aggressive the pediococcus/vinegar acidity is on the nose, it really takes a back seat in terms of flavour. The beer is certainly tart, but the vast majority of that tartness is lemony lacto, with the acetic sour notes only comprising undertones and subtle notes, allowing the beer to drink more cleanly, and letting some of the more nuanced aspects shine. The minerality comes through strong, almost giving the illusion of salinity. About halfway through, the lacto tartness subsides a little, and the fruity characteristics of the wine begin to emerge, bringing subtle flavours of Muscat grape, raspberries, passionfruit, melon, apple, pear, and lychee. The tartness fades even more, revealing a drier mineral flavour, and some mild esters, bringing some classic unripe banana notes into the mix. We now approach the finish, with the fruitier notes falling back, and some of the more core ingredients of the beer emerging. The wheat becomes noticeable, along with some oak tannins, with the very rustic yeast esters continuing to linger. The finish, like the entire beer itself, is bone dry, with no significant grain sugars, and with no tartness to cover it up, the essence of everything else sort of floats above the palate, like a translucent ghost of everything you just experienced mere moments ago. The finish is clean, dry, and ever-so-slightly tannic, but with absolutely zero bitterness, from start to finish. As a side note, I would like to add that even though there is a meaningful acidity, at no point does it ever feel overbearing, or uncomfortable. I've had a few beers where you'll need a handful of Tums by your side, and I don't feel as though this is one of them. It's a quick flash in the pan, and then the beer becomes crisp and exceptionally drinkable.
Mouthfeel/Body: At 4% ABV, naturally, there is very little weight or heft to this beer. The body is light, but in no way thin or watery. It's crisp, refreshing, and incredibly drinkable. Still, there is more than enough going on in terms of flavour and intensity that you never really focus on how light the beer actually is. The wheat does add just the slightest bit of softness to the feel, but most of that is covered up not only by the initial sharpness, but the lively, champagne-like effervescence, which only furthers the crisp, airy feel. The bubbles are insanely fine, down to an almost quantum level, so it never feels sharp or scratchy. The beer is bone dry from start to finish.
Overall: I've had my fair share of wild ales, saisons, and other farmhouse-style ales, and I have to say that in my experience, this is easily one of the best examples of what these beers are capable of. This particular one is just so well refined, with all the rough edges smoothed over, and a great deal of subtle complexity to be found. It's just so cohesive and we'll executed, with nothing being over-the-top, or lacking in any way. It's tart, but not uncomfortably so. It's fizzy, but in such a fine and elegant manner. There's so much going on, but everything is stitched together so meticulously, that in doesn't happen in stages, but rather everything flows together smoothly, in one sweeping motion. It isn't wheaty, tacky, or grainy, and the yeast characteristics are kept in check. It isn't over-hopped to any degree at all, and it just feels composed and flawless. Not only does it have complexity and nuance, but the beer is quite simply utterly drinkable and refreshing. It shares many qualities of a world-class oak-aged grisette, and it's just a beautifully put-together farmhouse ale.
May 25, 2019
superspak from North Carolina
4.25/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
750 ml bottle into tulip glass; Blend #4, bottled in 4/2016. Pours slightly hazy pale golden yellow color with a 1-2 finger fairly dense and fluffy white head with good retention, that reduces to a small cap that lingers. Nice spotty foamy lacing clings on the glass, with a fair amount of streaming carbonation. Aromas of big tart/sour lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, peach, pear, apricot, melon, red/green apple, white grape/wine, oak, peppercorn, hay, straw, grass, wheat, cracker, and white bread; with lighter notes of leathery/musty/lacto funk, white wine vinegar, and yeast/oak earthiness. Damn nice aromas with great balance and complexity of fruity/funky/acidic/spicy yeast, wine barrels, and moderate pale/wheat malt notes; with great strength. Taste of big tart/sour lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, peach, pear, apricot, melon, red/green apple, white grape/wine, oak, peppercorn, hay, straw, grass, wheat, cracker, and white bread; with lighter notes of leathery/musty/lacto funk, white wine vinegar, and yeast/oak earthiness. Light-moderate lactic tart/sourness, wine tang, and yeast/oak tannin spiciness on the finish. Lingering notes of tart/sour lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, peach, pear, apricot, melon, red/green apple, white grape/wine, oak, peppercorn, hay, straw, grass, wheat, cracker, white bread, light musty funk/vinegar, and yeast/oak earthiness on the finish for a good bit. Fantastic complexity, robustness, and balance of fruity/funky/acidic/spicy yeast, wine barrels, and moderate pale/wheat malt flavors; with an awesome malt/tart/sourness and tangy/spicy balance; with minimal puckering sourness after the finish. Fairly crisp/clean finishing. Moderate increasing dryness from lingering tart/sourness, spiciness, wine tang, and carbonation. Medium-plus carbonation and light-medium body; with a very smooth and moderately grainy/acidic/tangy/tannic balanced mouthfeel that is fantastic. Zero warming alcohol as expected of 4%. Overall this is a fantastic sour/wild session saison! All around fantastic complexity, robustness, and balance of fruity/funky/acidic/spicy yeast, wine barrels, and moderate pale/wheat malt flavors; very smooth and fairly crisp/clean/refreshing to drink, with the modestly acidic/tangy/tannic drying finish; not overly lactic. Very flavorful and not watery for the ABV. Amazingly well rounded Brett/Bacteria/Saison yeast complexity; with great wine barrel presence/integration, and a nice solid pale/wheat malt backbone against acidity. Minimal residual sweetness from crisp acidic/tannic dryness. A highly enjoyable offering, and amazing spot on style example.
May 14, 2019
4.25/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
750 ml bottle into tulip glass; Blend #4, bottled in 4/2016. Pours slightly hazy pale golden yellow color with a 1-2 finger fairly dense and fluffy white head with good retention, that reduces to a small cap that lingers. Nice spotty foamy lacing clings on the glass, with a fair amount of streaming carbonation. Aromas of big tart/sour lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, peach, pear, apricot, melon, red/green apple, white grape/wine, oak, peppercorn, hay, straw, grass, wheat, cracker, and white bread; with lighter notes of leathery/musty/lacto funk, white wine vinegar, and yeast/oak earthiness. Damn nice aromas with great balance and complexity of fruity/funky/acidic/spicy yeast, wine barrels, and moderate pale/wheat malt notes; with great strength. Taste of big tart/sour lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, peach, pear, apricot, melon, red/green apple, white grape/wine, oak, peppercorn, hay, straw, grass, wheat, cracker, and white bread; with lighter notes of leathery/musty/lacto funk, white wine vinegar, and yeast/oak earthiness. Light-moderate lactic tart/sourness, wine tang, and yeast/oak tannin spiciness on the finish. Lingering notes of tart/sour lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, peach, pear, apricot, melon, red/green apple, white grape/wine, oak, peppercorn, hay, straw, grass, wheat, cracker, white bread, light musty funk/vinegar, and yeast/oak earthiness on the finish for a good bit. Fantastic complexity, robustness, and balance of fruity/funky/acidic/spicy yeast, wine barrels, and moderate pale/wheat malt flavors; with an awesome malt/tart/sourness and tangy/spicy balance; with minimal puckering sourness after the finish. Fairly crisp/clean finishing. Moderate increasing dryness from lingering tart/sourness, spiciness, wine tang, and carbonation. Medium-plus carbonation and light-medium body; with a very smooth and moderately grainy/acidic/tangy/tannic balanced mouthfeel that is fantastic. Zero warming alcohol as expected of 4%. Overall this is a fantastic sour/wild session saison! All around fantastic complexity, robustness, and balance of fruity/funky/acidic/spicy yeast, wine barrels, and moderate pale/wheat malt flavors; very smooth and fairly crisp/clean/refreshing to drink, with the modestly acidic/tangy/tannic drying finish; not overly lactic. Very flavorful and not watery for the ABV. Amazingly well rounded Brett/Bacteria/Saison yeast complexity; with great wine barrel presence/integration, and a nice solid pale/wheat malt backbone against acidity. Minimal residual sweetness from crisp acidic/tannic dryness. A highly enjoyable offering, and amazing spot on style example.
May 14, 2019
GreesyFizeek from New York
4.34/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This one pours a mostly clear light straw yellow color, with a decent foamy head, and lots of lacing.
This smells like grassy funk, lemon rind and juice, white wine, oak, etc.
This is pretty simple, but it's very pleasant and very tasty. It's got a great soft white wine barrel character, a bit of grassy bucolic funk, and a pleasantly acidic finish.
This is very light bodied, soft and pillowy, and very drinkable, with a soft and lower level of carbonation.
This is pretty basic, but that doesn't detract from how well it's brewed.
Jun 28, 2018
4.34/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This one pours a mostly clear light straw yellow color, with a decent foamy head, and lots of lacing.
This smells like grassy funk, lemon rind and juice, white wine, oak, etc.
This is pretty simple, but it's very pleasant and very tasty. It's got a great soft white wine barrel character, a bit of grassy bucolic funk, and a pleasantly acidic finish.
This is very light bodied, soft and pillowy, and very drinkable, with a soft and lower level of carbonation.
This is pretty basic, but that doesn't detract from how well it's brewed.
Jun 28, 2018
rodbeermunch from Nevada
4.13/5 rDev -4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Thanks to Sheldon for bringing this one to March Madness 2015. Pours golden, better than expected clarity for a saison, pristine virgin like white head 2/5". Aroma hit the yeasty side. Then you get all kinds of different fruit, green apple, citrus, lemon etc. . . and a hint of brett funk.
Taste imparts a little bit of white wine/barrel kind of notes. Bright oak relatively speaking. Nice light body, almost like drinking air when you take away all the flavors that got packed into something so air-y. Definitely combines aspects of a wild ale and a saison, which I would say this one is better for it. Its a little bit acidic, but there isn't much to absorb so much of this intensity going around. Was nice to drink it with an Arthur, they are similar beers, this one seemed to provide more levity. I guess I would recommend drinking this on an even hotter day.
Apr 10, 2018
4.13/5 rDev -4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Thanks to Sheldon for bringing this one to March Madness 2015. Pours golden, better than expected clarity for a saison, pristine virgin like white head 2/5". Aroma hit the yeasty side. Then you get all kinds of different fruit, green apple, citrus, lemon etc. . . and a hint of brett funk.
Taste imparts a little bit of white wine/barrel kind of notes. Bright oak relatively speaking. Nice light body, almost like drinking air when you take away all the flavors that got packed into something so air-y. Definitely combines aspects of a wild ale and a saison, which I would say this one is better for it. Its a little bit acidic, but there isn't much to absorb so much of this intensity going around. Was nice to drink it with an Arthur, they are similar beers, this one seemed to provide more levity. I guess I would recommend drinking this on an even hotter day.
Apr 10, 2018
SaisonRichBiere from Michigan
4.19/5 rDev -3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Beautiful clear gold pour with a creamy yeasty head. Nose is grassy hay with a sharp vinous tang and some oak oils. Taste is saison yeast and funk with a good sour pucker with some wood. Very refreshing. Great pour.
Feb 28, 2018
4.19/5 rDev -3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Beautiful clear gold pour with a creamy yeasty head. Nose is grassy hay with a sharp vinous tang and some oak oils. Taste is saison yeast and funk with a good sour pucker with some wood. Very refreshing. Great pour.
Feb 28, 2018
JamFuel from Sweden
4.45/5 rDev +3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Pours a fairly clear yellow with low head and plenty of bubbles.
Smell is very crisp, with apples and orange blending with some light funk and grapefruit.
Taste is just so layered, starting off with apples and oranges, adding some hard lemon candy, tartness and just a perfect bitterness.
Mouthfeel is medium, with lots of prickly bubbles.
Holy hell what a great beer this is. Second beer I've tried from Side Project and both have been world lass. So deep and complex, but still hugely drinkable.
Jan 20, 2018
4.45/5 rDev +3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Pours a fairly clear yellow with low head and plenty of bubbles.
Smell is very crisp, with apples and orange blending with some light funk and grapefruit.
Taste is just so layered, starting off with apples and oranges, adding some hard lemon candy, tartness and just a perfect bitterness.
Mouthfeel is medium, with lots of prickly bubbles.
Holy hell what a great beer this is. Second beer I've tried from Side Project and both have been world lass. So deep and complex, but still hugely drinkable.
Jan 20, 2018
M-Fox24 from New Jersey
4.18/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A: Bright orange pour with gold highlights. Head is just a few centimeters high with restrained retention and lacing
S: Aroma is effervescent, earthy, and a tad bit grainy. Compliments of white wine, chardonnay, oak barrels, lemons, green apples/grapes, citrus, cloves, white pepper, fruit, some mixed spices and a proportionate amount of funk
T: More of the same with sensible acidity and complexity: Palate undertakes straw, hay, grass, floral and herbal elements with a lingering spice. Lays out for more pears, peaches, apricots, and pineapple with soft, smoky undertones
M: Well-crafted feel that’s light, bright, and crisp with a rustic, dry finish
O: A nicely done, aromatic, farmhouse that’s carefully arranged
Jan 19, 2018
4.18/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A: Bright orange pour with gold highlights. Head is just a few centimeters high with restrained retention and lacing
S: Aroma is effervescent, earthy, and a tad bit grainy. Compliments of white wine, chardonnay, oak barrels, lemons, green apples/grapes, citrus, cloves, white pepper, fruit, some mixed spices and a proportionate amount of funk
T: More of the same with sensible acidity and complexity: Palate undertakes straw, hay, grass, floral and herbal elements with a lingering spice. Lays out for more pears, peaches, apricots, and pineapple with soft, smoky undertones
M: Well-crafted feel that’s light, bright, and crisp with a rustic, dry finish
O: A nicely done, aromatic, farmhouse that’s carefully arranged
Jan 19, 2018
Harrison8 from Missouri
4.56/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Pours a foggy straw yellow with two fingers of white head. Head retention is good with no lacing left behind. Aroma is sharp and staccato, leaving only small traces of tart green apple, wheat, and raspberries with each whiff. Flavor profile starts out with tart green apples, wheat, and a slight twinge of Belgian yeast spice. As the green apple fades, the beer simplifies into a tart, and slightly sour simple farmhouse. There is a twist of Chardonnay poking through the ensemble. Mouth feel is fizzy, but light, with a medium-thin thickness. Overall, a resoundingly tasty, but simple, barrel aged farmhouse. Lots of lovely little qualities in this, that add up to a subtle, but mighty brew.
Served in a 12oz snifter from a 750mL bottle.
Nov 14, 2017
4.56/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Pours a foggy straw yellow with two fingers of white head. Head retention is good with no lacing left behind. Aroma is sharp and staccato, leaving only small traces of tart green apple, wheat, and raspberries with each whiff. Flavor profile starts out with tart green apples, wheat, and a slight twinge of Belgian yeast spice. As the green apple fades, the beer simplifies into a tart, and slightly sour simple farmhouse. There is a twist of Chardonnay poking through the ensemble. Mouth feel is fizzy, but light, with a medium-thin thickness. Overall, a resoundingly tasty, but simple, barrel aged farmhouse. Lots of lovely little qualities in this, that add up to a subtle, but mighty brew.
Served in a 12oz snifter from a 750mL bottle.
Nov 14, 2017
JFrank78 from California
4.64/5 rDev +7.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Pretty much your perfect barrel-aged saison. A barrel-aged beauty with a little white wine (from the Chardonnay barrels) and bacteria tartness that's hard to beat.
Sep 27, 2017
4.64/5 rDev +7.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Pretty much your perfect barrel-aged saison. A barrel-aged beauty with a little white wine (from the Chardonnay barrels) and bacteria tartness that's hard to beat.
Sep 27, 2017
Phineasco from Massachusetts
4.52/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Look: Yellow, hazy, with thin white head.
Smell: Chardonnay, funk, lemon, and apricots.
Taste: Lighty tart, funk, lemon, and apricots.
Mouthfeel: Light and smooth with lots of wine barrel.
Overall: A good barrel aged saison.
Aug 21, 2017
4.52/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Look: Yellow, hazy, with thin white head.
Smell: Chardonnay, funk, lemon, and apricots.
Taste: Lighty tart, funk, lemon, and apricots.
Mouthfeel: Light and smooth with lots of wine barrel.
Overall: A good barrel aged saison.
Aug 21, 2017
OompaMentor from Georgia
4.25/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bottle poured into snifter. Hazy yellow (straw) color. Tart on palate with modest carbonation; well balanced. Not a farmhouse fan but this is nice! 6/8/17
Aug 20, 2017
4.25/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bottle poured into snifter. Hazy yellow (straw) color. Tart on palate with modest carbonation; well balanced. Not a farmhouse fan but this is nice! 6/8/17
Aug 20, 2017
ManapuaMan from Massachusetts
4.36/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Bright, golden, tart. Gorgeous beer out of the bottle - straw-gold body, lively stream of bubbles climbing up towards the thin white head. Remarkable clarity, although the head fades very quickly.
Aroma is grape must, white grape skins, oak and green apple. Complex bouquet of aromas.
Taste follows suit - grapes, chardonnay, oak, lacto-tartness, green apple, sweet pear and lightly toasted grains. The cascade of flavors is the highlight of the beer - it packs so much taste from sweet to tart to oaky into the wildly low ABV chassis.
Wine-like tannins come to mind at the extremely dry finish. Light and effervescent on the tongue. So much flavor and complexity for the ABV makes this a low risk high reward beer of the highest caliber.
Jul 07, 2017
4.36/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Bright, golden, tart. Gorgeous beer out of the bottle - straw-gold body, lively stream of bubbles climbing up towards the thin white head. Remarkable clarity, although the head fades very quickly.
Aroma is grape must, white grape skins, oak and green apple. Complex bouquet of aromas.
Taste follows suit - grapes, chardonnay, oak, lacto-tartness, green apple, sweet pear and lightly toasted grains. The cascade of flavors is the highlight of the beer - it packs so much taste from sweet to tart to oaky into the wildly low ABV chassis.
Wine-like tannins come to mind at the extremely dry finish. Light and effervescent on the tongue. So much flavor and complexity for the ABV makes this a low risk high reward beer of the highest caliber.
Jul 07, 2017
Benish from Wisconsin
4.1/5 rDev -5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Batch #5
Appearance: short white head that dissipated quickly. Beer is hazy golden yellow, almost bright in appearance.
Aroma: smell notes of lemon and a touch of barnyard funk with a vinous quality. It's floral and tart.
Tastes: like a lemon meringue pie. Very tart and lightly sour throughout. The yeast shines though with subtle esters and the bacteria seems to present the notes of tart lemon. The malt seems to balance it out by showcasing a "crust" from the pie. Overshadowing it all is this vinous white wine quality. Very tasty!
Mouthfeel: very light bodied and spritzy.
Overall: very flavorful for a 4%. They prove that a quality beer can be made at this low ABV which I believe many breweries out there have not accomplished.
Jul 04, 2017
4.1/5 rDev -5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Batch #5
Appearance: short white head that dissipated quickly. Beer is hazy golden yellow, almost bright in appearance.
Aroma: smell notes of lemon and a touch of barnyard funk with a vinous quality. It's floral and tart.
Tastes: like a lemon meringue pie. Very tart and lightly sour throughout. The yeast shines though with subtle esters and the bacteria seems to present the notes of tart lemon. The malt seems to balance it out by showcasing a "crust" from the pie. Overshadowing it all is this vinous white wine quality. Very tasty!
Mouthfeel: very light bodied and spritzy.
Overall: very flavorful for a 4%. They prove that a quality beer can be made at this low ABV which I believe many breweries out there have not accomplished.
Jul 04, 2017
Luscious_Malfoy from Illinois
4.48/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
poured from a 750mL bottle into a stemmed bulb glass. pours a vibrant straw yellow with bountiful fluffy white head. smells of lemon, oak, a dash of pepper and white wine. taste is lemon and barnyard funk with a slight acidic finish. also a slight dryness from the oak. mouthfeel is lower carb, easy drinking. not as bubbly as one might expect. overall, an absolute classic white label from SP. less acidic and more funky with a lemony crisp taste she finish. so easy drinking and enjoyable.
Jun 25, 2017
4.48/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
poured from a 750mL bottle into a stemmed bulb glass. pours a vibrant straw yellow with bountiful fluffy white head. smells of lemon, oak, a dash of pepper and white wine. taste is lemon and barnyard funk with a slight acidic finish. also a slight dryness from the oak. mouthfeel is lower carb, easy drinking. not as bubbly as one might expect. overall, an absolute classic white label from SP. less acidic and more funky with a lemony crisp taste she finish. so easy drinking and enjoyable.
Jun 25, 2017
DeutschesBier from Maryland
3.38/5 rDev -21.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
Blend 5. Head quickly disappeared, presumably due to the low pH. Nose is only Lactic Acid and a bit of lemon. Taste is the same. No funk, depth, nor Saison characteristics. Way too sour.
May 26, 2017
3.38/5 rDev -21.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
Blend 5. Head quickly disappeared, presumably due to the low pH. Nose is only Lactic Acid and a bit of lemon. Taste is the same. No funk, depth, nor Saison characteristics. Way too sour.
May 26, 2017
Sabtos from Ohio
3.9/5 rDev -9.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Cloudy but bright and vibrant golden yellow with a large bubbly white blanket.
On the nose I get light lemon, hay, yellow apple and pear funk, almost gose-like with cracker and lactic funk, translating on the palate to a medium bodied, tart, crisp and fizzy light lemon with wheat and grass, light white peppery oak, finishing much drier than a gose.
May 20, 2017
3.9/5 rDev -9.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Cloudy but bright and vibrant golden yellow with a large bubbly white blanket.
On the nose I get light lemon, hay, yellow apple and pear funk, almost gose-like with cracker and lactic funk, translating on the palate to a medium bodied, tart, crisp and fizzy light lemon with wheat and grass, light white peppery oak, finishing much drier than a gose.
May 20, 2017
Dankacheese from Illinois
4.44/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Batch #4
Loved this stuff! Everything I want in this style. Look and feel are the only low marks. Flavor is spot on!! I need more Side Project in my life. We all do.
Apr 28, 2017
4.44/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Batch #4
Loved this stuff! Everything I want in this style. Look and feel are the only low marks. Flavor is spot on!! I need more Side Project in my life. We all do.
Apr 28, 2017
brentk56 from North Carolina
4.24/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Batch 3
Appearance: Pours a hazy goldenstraw; modest head with a few splashes of lace
Smell: Stone fruit notes of apricot and peach, with hints of funk and white wine barrel
Taste: Fruit forward, with statements from the apricot and peach, with the barrel and hint of funk developing through the middle, and pineapple; a slight bit of tartness through the finish
Mouthfeel: Light to medium body with moderate carbonation
Overall: Never had a bad beer from Side Project and while this one is not a standout in there production, it shows off their skills very nicely
Thanks, JavaNoire, for the opportunity
Oct 03, 2016
4.24/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Batch 3
Appearance: Pours a hazy goldenstraw; modest head with a few splashes of lace
Smell: Stone fruit notes of apricot and peach, with hints of funk and white wine barrel
Taste: Fruit forward, with statements from the apricot and peach, with the barrel and hint of funk developing through the middle, and pineapple; a slight bit of tartness through the finish
Mouthfeel: Light to medium body with moderate carbonation
Overall: Never had a bad beer from Side Project and while this one is not a standout in there production, it shows off their skills very nicely
Thanks, JavaNoire, for the opportunity
Oct 03, 2016
Biere Du Pays from Side Project Brewing
Beer rating:
95 out of
100 with
381 ratings
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