Mo'schwecka
Rowley Farmhouse Ales

 

this is what i think these guys do best, these lightly funky well made saisons, this one has a little bretty character to it, but also a very flavorful saison yeast strain at the same time it is hopped exclusively and liberally with motueka hops, a varietal i think lends itself well to the style. its one of the new world hops that fits in really nicely with old world styles, and its killer here. the nose is awesome, all the juicy ripe hops right up front, with the estery yeast and farmy funk in behind, white grape and kiwi fruit, melon and lemon, flowers and grass, really pretty aroma and most of it is there in the flavor too. the grain base is simple but hearty to me, wheaty and off dry, with quite a bit of body to it for what this is, but its not out of place. i think the brett could develop even more with this over time, but its really nice fresh when these hops are at their best. pungent hops, notes of pear and apple and wine from the yeast, and high level carbonation all happening at the finish, more brettiness would be cool, but i like it as a nuance here too. this seems brilliantly suited for wine barrels as well. overall a summery and interesting saison with a lot of character, the best mix of the old world rustic yeast and the new world hops.