Gossip
Bonsai Brewing Project

an imperial saison type here with rosehip, hibiscus, and sangiovese grape must, really neat concept and pretty solid execution. nice pink color to it from the tap at this awesome little brewery, a short white head, and a sneaky alcohol strength, its neither felt nor tasted at any point, even as this warms, so a dangerous brew, especially with all the bubbles and the springy flavors, look out! the botanicals are evident in here in front of the grape element, although there is a vinous aspect to the nose for sure, partially from the yeast as well, but its the tart bitter rosehip and the floral hibiscus that jump out at me, surprisingly dry through the flavor so these both really pop in the absence of much malt sweetness. i get more of the grape in the flavor, especially on the back end, lightly tannic and earthy, but also with other fruit notes to it, blackberry and plum come to mind for me. i dont love the ferment, not sure what this yeast is but its a little soupy and estery and not all the way cohesive with the special ingredients the beer is based on, seems done too warm to me, possibly a little stressed as well, which is a shame because it gets in the way for me, almost too much of a flavor contribution for a beer that is otherwise peculiarly delicate for its size. not quite sloppy, but not dialed in either. some light astringency on the finish, a little tang keeps it kind of light, and i love the way the added ingredients come together. super creative beer in a neat style space and any execution or fermentation imperfection can be easily forgiven in something like this, fun beer. this place is rad!