Ancient Bone Saber
Ethereal Brewing

 

Making the most promising farmhouse ales in the Bluegrass, Ethereal's most recent rendition gets back to its roots- lead with spice and hops, its rustic taste is a far separation from the sweeter and fruitier versions that plague most American saisons.

Its hazy straw austere allows for a charming golden glow that shines on those steady streaming, champagne-like bubbles. Building a frothy and mildly billowing head, its aromatic display hinges on acute spiciness, dry and tangy acidity, and a slender malt backbone. But with a sweeter, breadier and yeasty taste to start the show, its a balanced taste that first allure the senses.

In true Belgian fashion, the bready textures and sweeter fresh-baked grain flavors drop out and leave the rest of the show to the spicy phenols, hops, acid and alcohol to carry the load. That's when the fruits of white grape, apple, lemon and pear dry out and the white pepper, black pepper, clove and cumin medley round out and link up with a grassy hop bitterness.

The finish is an effortless taste of spice, vinous warmth and a playful fruity tang. The ample carbonations carries away any weight and allows the finish to display a resounding bone-dry snap and an aftertaste of damp straw and herbal grasses.