Méi Zi
Fair Isle Brewing

an absolutely epic beer, i love all these guys do, but this ranks immediately among my favorites, such a cool idea, glorious packaging, wildly unique brew, wow! brassy to golden colored, shiny and close to clear, with a ton of carbonation activity amassing a couple inches of airy white belgian looking head, lovely. the nose here is insane, this is made with a unique oolong tea, and i can smell it right away, delicately floral, jasmine, orchids, vanilla pods, lilies, white smarties candy, gentle lime leaf, heaps of newish oak and white wine character too, some real funky maturity too, this is a lot more evolved on the ferment than some of their younger saisons, but hardly tart at all to me, really beautiful and subtle. the tea is amazing in the flavor too, light lemongrass, the oak makes it earthy, there is shockingly little bitterness to it, and i get things like orange blossom, elderflower, honeysuckle, raw honey, and even cedar, just so much nuance to this, herbal without being too intense, light on the grain side, a pils malt note, pale wheat, good minerality, tons of oak on the back end and more and more as it warms, but it never turns this into a bruiser. the ferment rules, bretty and wild, a swirling saison ester too, white pepper, toffee, clove, and just a little citrusy tartness, really dynamic and good, especially with the wood. dried apricot, black tea, and sauternes to finish. incredible. not to be missed. these guys are on another level right now!