Paloma Beer
Cruz Blanca Brewpub

 

 

So I'm a sucker for grapefruit in beer, so naturally when I saw a grapefruit saison I had to try it. The look was very clear for the style, but still the brownish gold one comes to expect. The smell was actually yeast forward with the grapefruit sitting on top of it all like a plump monarch, only deigning to join the hard working other elements when it chooses to. The taste was the real treat though, with the grapefruit not dominating, but instead propping up the lovely craft of the yeast, grains and lemon grass accents.

 

 

Updated for 750 ml bottle I had on 7/25/17, initial rating from having on tap at release.

Pours a hazy orange/amber, with a two and a half inch foamy head with good retention and a good amount of foamy lacing. Smells of grapefruit, Belgian yeast, some black pepper, light spices- cloves and coriander for two, a little bready, light hops. The taste is similar- grapefruit, some yeast, light malt and caramel, spices, light bread and crackers. Some hop bitterness. Smooth, dry, a good medium body, carbonation is on the high side and it’s distracting.

The grapefruit is terrific, a very good aroma. Overall, it seemed better on tap, mostly due to the heavy carbonation here. Dropped the feel a half for that. But, it’s still a very solid beer, very enjoyable.