Saison Effrayant
Is/Was Brewing

 

Had on tap. Murky orange body, white head with sporadic lacing. Aromas of earthy rye, harvest rye, big sage, orange, dried leaves and full yeast. Taste is dominated by the sage, wow, with rye and autumn grains supporting, hint of sunny citrus on the finish with the full yeast. Feel is much brighter than expected, quite sessionable with how smooth and easy drinking it is

Bought from The Beer Temple. An interesting autumn brew, almost a witch's brew; given how it breaks conventions and introduces unusual ingredients. But they all are combined well.

In particular, I like using rye to augment spicing; and its particularly effective during the harvest season. Effrayant also has a medium+mouth, unusual for Is/Was' lighter saisons. Looks are only slightly above average because the funk chases away the foam rather quickly. Smells are fruit bowl and yeasty, but not distinct. Tastes are so well-balanced given the otherwise discordant ingredients of sage and rye. I think a good yeast keeps Tastes in order enough to finish semi-dry. Decent with my full flavored (and favored) bean soup and cheese bread, Is/Was helped make another meal memorably.

Now my 15th saison from Is/Was, it is fair to say I'm a big fan. They are one of my favorite experiential brewers (meaning they rarely seem to brew something twice.) But this is the cutting edge of where crafting (particularly home brewers) have come from and a few are still going strong.