Saison Sobrantes
Casa Agria Specialty Ales

Because of their price, I said I'd not drink another Casa Agria. I'm glad I made an exception with this saison. Sobrantes is almost worth the price. While not a tart masterpiece (and probably won't be since it has been Retired on BA), Sobrantes represents a masterful progression in the tart saison niche.

Sobrantes Looks flat and is only slightly above average in the overall saison style because I like its classy label. Sobrantes Smells like a tart farmhouse, mostly barnyard and harvest fruit and indistinct herbs. Tastes largely follow, but are balanced and not too tart. Medium-mouthed and cleansing with stewy foods (I ate ratatouille tonight, a good pairing.)

I wish Casa Agria has a more developed website and talked more about brewing their thoughtful beers in the middle of one of North America's most famous wine valleys. But they are mute. They opened a second taproom since I tasted their offerings last. How to make progress next time? Maybe add food also so I can visit.

 

 

L: Poured from a bottle to a snifter glass. Had a beautiful, golden yellow color and a cloudy consistency. There was a massive, creamy, very long-lasting head. Excellent lacing.

S: A good, but not great, aroma of citrus fruit, yeast, wood, spices, and malt.

T: Tasted of a bit of the wood (from the aging process), a good amount of Belgian-style yeast, light malt notes (not a big presence), some spices (light pepper), and some citrus fruit (lemon, orange). A very light and effervescent flavor, if a bit on the thin side. This is one of those tastes that could've used a bit more oomph in its ingredients. Still, it has its charms.

F: A well-carbonated beer with a smooth, dry finish. Light-bodied.

O: An uneven beer, but it has its good points. Worth a look.

A: The beer is slightly hazy yellow in color and has a moderate column of rising bubbles in the center of the glass. It poured with a quarter finger high white head that consistently covered the surface.
S: Light to moderate aromas of sour oak foeders are present in the nose along with notes of yeast.
T: The taste is a little sour and has notes of oaky flavors from the foeder barrel aging with hints of yeast.
M: It feels light- to medium-bodied and a little dry on the palate with a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: This saison is very refreshing as it is both sour and dry.

Serving type: bottle

 

Tasted in a snifter from draft at More Brewing co. on December 14, 2018. Look is a deep hay color with dense creamy foam that slowly settles to a finger of head. Smell is bright minerality, light malt breadiness and a low brett funk. Taste is refreshingly crisp, very light acidity and a soft round body that balances the dry finish.