Reith
Fair Isle Brewing

amazing beer, one of the best in any style ive had all year, seriously, elevated even for fair isle, where everything they do is special. this is done with beets and carrots, but the kicker is that they are roasted first, never heard of that in a beer before, and its amazing how clean and delicate this really is, batch two my bottle says on the label. the color is absolutely epic, shocking neon pink, almost a shade of purple i didnt think could come from beets, its so bright, so clear to nearly the bottom of the bottle, almost looks plugged in, stained glass radiant, stunning really, airy white bottle conditioned on top crowns it well. the nose is killer too, familiar funk from their house culture, estery and funky without being sour, tangy at the most, real complex and mature and dry, with some added complexity from the green glass, not quite skunky but flattering in the way that often is for saison, truly something special. i also straight up smell the soil, more beet than carrot and more raw than cooked, but i get all of the nuance here, dark and wet and rich soil, light lemon lifting it all, very light rustic grain profile, neat mineral composition, addicting to just smell. the flavor is even more profound than the nose, the beets are so forward and obvious, but also so well incorporated by the ferment, truly special. the carrots are way more subtle but fit in well with the grain, which i appreciate more as this warms. some serious funky qualities here, really dynamic. its fast finishing, real complex, and i frankly cannot believe how complete and refined it is, man oh man. delicate and airy feeling, effervescent on the carbonation, and when this is gone i immediately miss it. among the best beers ive had from fair isle, who is easily one of my favorites and the most unsung anywhere, cannot get enough of their stuff! do not miss this one, as good as any of the beers ive ever had with beets including the cantillon zwanze day one...