Mixed Berry Saison
Rock House Brewing

As a fruit filled variation on the standard saison, a berry infused taste rolls in just in time for summer. Where the natural esters of saison are normally supressed to allow the spices to shine, this beer reels that balance back to the fruity side with a host of red berries for full flavor, tartness and brightness.

Pleasantly mauve and hazy in normal fashion, the Berry Saison crowns with a medium white froth before drawing the nose with the succulence of red berry, light citrus, melon and cider. Slightly winey, the aromas lead to a supple sweetness of honey, grain and wafer.

The middle palate is awash with red berry juices that lead with radian, rip roaring raspberry along with hints of cranberry, redcurrant and dragonfruit. Underlying fruit flavors of lemon, orange, pear and apple are suppressed along with the gently rolling spices of white pepper, vinous spice and a hay-like hoppiness. A winey late palate has the ale trending sangria-like with a piquant, light bitter late palate.

Medium bodied and finishing fruity dry, the beer's rose wine character is strong in closing. Refreshing, crisp and clean, the beer lacks the earthen and rustic charm of classic saison but rewards the palate with a thirst quenching character of tangy red berries for a trade off that any craft beer lover can appreciate.