Memphis Ella
Rooster Brewing

Living in the realm of where Belgian saison isn't enough and American porter is too much, Memphis Ella nestles right between these two influence and coddles the unmistakable complexities that bourbon barrel aging often provides. There's certainly no shortage of ingenuity going on at Rooster Brew.

Above its ominous bark-brown depths and its honeycomb mocha lather waft the toasty, chocolaty and coffee-like aromas that tread on porter territory, but its tinge of peppercorn, burnt fruit and vinous tilt suggests something curious. Malty on the tongue, wonderfully burnt toffee, dark chocolate, coffee, burnt toast and the robust fruit of blackcurrant and plum round out the beer's early strike on the tongue.

Drier than porter but not as much as saison, the flirtation with both parties continues as the ale treks across the middle palate- baker's chocolate, burnt toast and coffee exert their dominance as the seared sweetness fades. Inviting the yeast spices of fresh-cracked black peppercorn, gently smoldering ember and earthiness of licorice show gracefully with a lightly bittered backbone that's more coffee-like than of hops.

Delightfully drinkable, the black saison has greater heft than is common for saison yet still remains dryish from its powdery texture of char and its taste of light ash. Hints of bourbon trail as the caramel, vanilla and cherry taste of alcohol replace the fleeting sweetness. A toasty chocolate aftertaste is laced with peppercorn for a fleeting moment.