L'hiver
Hacienda Beer Co.

A nice tart... from the Upper Midwest! Only my second from Hacienda, they are making me less shy towards tarts. Plus, I am becoming impressed that an area known for its fishing can produce culinary ales.

I'm just starting to appreciate well-controlled wild yeasts as refreshers and suitable for appetizers. But, I'm not ready to put this saison on the table. Best to appreciate by itself.

Looks impress; a clear blonde, gentle lasting foam and lace. Smells are intriguing, the spruce says winter... but also a pine forest after a summer rain. Tastes are refreshing in the attack and a drying sensation at the finish. Bubbly enough to clean my palate paired with a medium mouth. Only the oaky tart prevents me from inviting this to dinner. Good work on this. I hope I find more Hacienda saisons.

1/16/21 Had again and had it with my world-famous vegetable soup and the pairing was good enough. The next step is to pair L'hiver with a more complicated meal. I've edited the rest of the review above and am satisfied and will keep count over at UnTappd.

 

 

 

Second bottle of this, it’s good stuff. Tart and oaky with a fair amount of ginger. Bright gold with a slight haze, lasting coverage and a collar of lacing. Aromas of earthy ginger and herbal dry-hopping. Tasty and savory, slight Brett, there’s mild dill from the fresh oak, lingering ginger in the bone dry finish, zero burn. Ample carb level, spritzy and vibrant. Great summer refresher, pairs well with cheese and charcuterie. Has great structure and is more refined than many one-dimensional AWA’s out there.

Cloudy golden body with thin white cap and lacing, really pretty. Smell features ginger, lime, orange zest, cardamom, belgian yeast, grains, and black pepper. Taste is more wet than nose let on, especially on the finish, a rustic saison with a twist from the fruit, ginger and cardamom. Personally would like the finish to be drier, but the wetness doesn't detract, and it gives the twist more umph. The body does still have rustic grain harshness upfront that is appreciated.