Saison Series: 2017 Q4
Taxman Brewing Co.

Review: 1987
Name: 2017 Q4
Brewery: Taxman Brewing
Location: Bargerville, IN
Style: Saison
A.B.V.: 8%
Date: 8 Nov 2017
I am drinking Q4 today using a Tulip glass. I served it at 46 degrees. The pour created an airy, frothy, one-fingered, dark tan head with above-average retention. The color is brown, with reddish hues, charting around S.R.M. 22. The beer is semi-opaque. The slow dissipation left some lacing on the glass. The appearance is above average for this style.
The initial aromas are horse, blanket, funky barnyard, earthy, floral esters, and yeasty. Nosing the glass, I detect light-toasted malts, acetic acid, vinous, fruity sweetness, and oak. Smelling the glass again, I noticed oranges, black pepper, peaches, and a light herbal.
The beer is bright and acidic. The saison with Brett is horse blanket, funky barnyard, earthy, terroir, and yeasty. The malt is toasted with a hint of chocolate and caramel. Other flavors are vinous, fruity sweetness, oak, floral esters, and light herbal.
The mouthfeel is tart and finishes crisp. The body is medium with a high carbonation.
After sipping the beer, I noticed it was watery. I did not detect any off-flavors. The Brett was a funky and fun addition. This beer is lovely. If the body was not watery, I would have rated it higher.

This is wine barrel aged with grape must. The carafa, crystal and chocolate malt, and candi sugar come together and lend a slight sweetness that could lead one to believe this beer was delicately aged in a whiskey barrel. This beer is purple like the label.

 

 

 

Pours a translucent red-purple, similar to a sherry but thinner. Complex on the nose, with classic straw and acidic farmhouse notes, plus some vinous tannins from the grape must and wine barrels. Very satisfying oak and a balance of fruity sweetness and tartness on the palate, never veering too far in any one direction. Grapes, dark stone fruit, whole-grain crackers, and a hint of pineapple and lemongrass; the finish is more suggestive of an oud bruin on some sips. Well balanced and refreshing--I'll pick up another bottle to age. My favorite of the 2017 Quarterly filings.