The Secret History of All Things
Odious Cellars

 

Pale gold with bright clarity initially, hazing slightly with the yeast sediment from the second pour. Ample foam produces a two finger head, and sudsy rings of lace all the way down.

Aroma is citrusy and unique from the dry hopping. Peach, tangerine, lemon zest. Brett dovetails with the fruitiness by adding some dried pineapple and musty straw to the mix.

Tart and citrusy taste up front, Brett funk is balanced with a lot of citrus fruit, calamansi, lemon, and tangerine. A hint of earthy bitterness in the aftertaste, lingering mild Brett presence. Acidity is in check, and lets the other elements shine without becoming too much.

Medium bodied with a pleasant creamy texture and soft carbonation which makes for an excellent experience. Loving the balance between the fruitiness and Brett funk, it has finesse. Overall i'm impressed, it's a great petite Brett saison, a style that few are doing locally. This one has been a repeat buy for me, but it’s rarely available.

So far i'm enjoying the Brett beers from Odious Cellars much more than their barrel-aged sour ales, which have been a touch too acetic so far.

Carried to the car from The Beer Temple (Off License, of course). Of this 4-pack, I probably will keep 3. It's that good.

The Secret is a pretty good Looker... for what ended up as a yeast that is only slightly above average. I got a good foam from a high pour, but the suds didn't replenish themselves like a great yeast. I also give points for a creative can; artwork should be contemplative, about the human condition for which we drink. (Too much can artwork is about the artist's angst... which, frankly, should not matter to a consumer of ales.)

Smells are good; but the malt is not bursting with fruits... just some tree hard fruit, like apples/pears.

Tastes are balanced; just enough hops to keep the sweet in check. With a medium mouth, The Secret had just enough carbonation to cleanse the palate for a variety of foods at tonight's dinner of leftovers: peas, bread, potatoes and salad.

OA: A successful saison.

While the name of this ale is thoughtful and even penetratingly big, I really don't get why they selected "Odious" (repulsive) as the name of brewery that wants to share its thoughtful interpretations of brewing tradition. Their website is very sophisticated for not being one year old. And I look forward to the opening of their taproom ... not far from the 606, my exercise path. Until the taproom opens, consider changing your name to something a little more positive. Please.

12/12/20 Had my second of a 4-pack. I paired it again with leftovers; possibly because I suspect Secret is ready for the high cuisine. But, it worked with a medley of sauces. So, Secret's secret is it can cut through the medley. I'm still deciding if Secret can compete with my saison mainstays and go-tos. I will give at least one of the remaining 4 pack of Secrets to my nephew for Christmas. But for a one year old, these Cellars make a good saison. I'm satisfied with this review and will keep count over at UnTappd. But change your name, please. Thank you.