Blossom Tonic
The Brewery Formerly Known As Flora Brewing

 

Canned 8/9/22.

Reddish orange, bright clarity, billowing head of foam that rises above the rim, leaving chunky lacing down the glass.

Coriander and sulfur aromas, herbal above any cherry aroma, white pepper, very yeast driven.

Phenolic clove steamrolls any distinct cherry flavors. Yeast is too dominant, just like most overly-phenolic American saisons. White pepper, clove, coriander, dry phenolic finish.

Ample carb, fairly dry, earthy bitterness, mildly tartness bleeds into astringency, from the cherry juice maybe.

Honestly this one is no great shakes. Overly phenolic with little cherry flavor. Going to reserve judgement until trying more of their beers, judging a brewery after one beer is a rookie mistake .

To state the obvious, beer reviews are for reviewing beers. Incoherent nonsense peppered with thinly veiled misogyny has no place here or anywhere.

Not to brag, but rather to establish credentials on saisons... this is my 366th and saisons represent at least 10.56% of my BA reviews; over twice more uniques than my #2, the witbier. With that many in my portfolio, I drink quite a few not-so-good saisons; many by some relatively accomplished brewers who ventured too far or too fast into this specific style.

Then along comes Flora, a home brewer with the ambition to be the "Martha Stewart of brewing." In a man's world, she learns quickly enough (let's say, two years) to brew interestingly enough to talk her way into the Pilot Project (who has perhaps five nano-brewers all of whom have more experience and money.) But PP sees talent and brews and promotes Flora's Blossom Tonic.

And it is good, quite good. Refreshingly led by the cherry, but other ingredients contribute. Suitably brewed for my table of leftovers which Blossom Tonic, twice,. has turned into a decent meal. Accolades enough.

Super-Thanks to FBarber for adding Flora and Blossom Tonic at my urging.

I bought a 4-pack from Pilot Project. So, I am not done reviewing this interesting and effective table saison. But in closing I should note that tonight is Halloween and there is a 21st Century story-line that this is when women of the world (usually treated poorly by the powers that be) celebrate asserting themselves and use their powers that, in the male world, is sometimes characterized as witchcraft. But if those powers can produce saisons this good (and, then, go on to resolve more than a few of the world's problems), then to those powers I encourage with a "bring it on!" Let a 1,000 witches brew.