Tulip
Sundial Brewing and Blending

Sundial #24

First, a word on why I added this as a BSPA. While Sundial calls this a "Farmhouse Strong" on its tap list and while UnTappd calls this a "farmhouse-other", BA's saison stops at 8.4 ABV. (And being a "Saison-Euro Head" per StonedTrippin', only one in my saison stable is above 7.8 and that is Dupont's Avec for the winter holidays.) So also being a traditionalist, I thought BSPA the best styling. However if you were to ask me what this is without the benefit of the bottle, I'd say "saison." While fine with appetizers now and soon dinner, Tulip is a fine table ale... albeit a bit strong. Best to share and the BSPA will stick. But for those who don't agree, I'm OK with changing the style to saison.

Poured into my Lindemann's tulip (a fellow blender albeit world-famous), Tulip still Looks pretty good with a nice foam that sticks around. Saison Smells tend to have more fruit than this Tulip. Tastes are balanced, particularly not letting funk in to spoil the show or the meal. In my mouth, Tulip is luxurious, soft and yet enough action to scrub the palate for another bite.

I wish I had the time to spend more time with Sundial. This is only my third and intend to support them more. I'd also like to get out to the suburbs and see their taproom; timed with their interesting food trucks. But for now, Tulip is on my re-buy list and that puts it a cut above the rest.