Salute to Saisons! (2023)

Most of Oxbow’s saison stay around 5-6% and I’m pretty sure they get distro to PA.

 

Thats true as well as I can always get F&M(under5%) too.

I guess I should have said low ABV Saison that is from a larger brewery. Something I could buy a six or 12 pack of and not spend what Oxbow or F&M would cost, maybe $10-12 a six. Victory brewed Swing at under 5% I enjoyed. Yards many years ago, 18+ made a nice low ABV Saison too. These are long gone.

Enjoy

 

Yeah it’s true. Even Allagash Saison was 7% when it was bottled. There aren’t many options from the bigger craft breweries for low abv.

 

Time to revisit Sly Fox Grisette?

 

I don't agree- do we only have an "american beer" thread? Think about all the different styles that would comprise- stouts, lagers, ipa's, gose, amber ale, porter, etc...

Belgian beer is also very diverse despite some of the similarities you may find.

 

Does Allagash still brew this? I feel like I haven't seen it in a long time.

 

Hmmm……forgot about this one. Not seen it or looked for it in years. I don’t remember it being that low of ABV but do remember it being very good. Thanks for the thought.

Edit……still made as a spring seasonal at 5.6%, more than I want but could be the best option.

Enjoy

 

It's no longer part of their 4 pack releases. I don't know if they brew it occasionally for draught or whatnot.

 

Fantome Blanche: I don’t think I’ve ever loved a specific beer from Fantome but they’re always fun to try just based on the variability. Barely a hiss when I popped the cork. Nose is all light struck noble hops, some rubber phenols, and grassy herbs. Carb is light for the style. Bitter and thirst quenching but that rubber phenol is a little too prevalent to get past. Definitely not my last Fantome but underwhelming.

 

I just gotta ask: why would you want to 'take the risk' of continuing to purchase Fantome beers? Especially within the context of "I don’t think I’ve ever loved a specific beer from Fantome"?

Cheers!

 

Regardless of their inconsistencies, they’re still interesting enough drinking experiences to try once or twice a year. When they’re good, they’re very good, but it’s hard to love a beer that isn’t consistent.

 

But you stated "I don’t think I’ve ever loved a specific beer from Fantome" so...?

Cheers!

 

Lol you don’t think it’s possible that a beer can be good but you don’t love it? The beers that I love, I return to often because they have qualities that are consistently great. Some beers are pleasurable experiences but it doesn’t mean I’m seeking that same beer over and over again. It’s nice to revisit Fantome because he values experimentation and his beers don’t resemble anything you can get in the states.

Perhaps you could provide an anecdote from a personal travel experience or brewing knowledge that could help me better understand your point?

Cheers!

 

I love good beer.

You and I are just different in this regard.

Cheers!

 

Found this today. (from my visit in about 2003)

 

Farmhouse - Footbridge Brewing.



It is supposed to be a “Barrel aged fruited Saison.” The apple brandy barrel just took over, and the fusel alcohol is through the roof.

I’ll just have to find something else to wash away this failed experiment. Oh well.

 

This is my 2nd to last bottle of my favorite Saison - Blackberry Farm Classic 6.3%. I wish I had more of this available locally.

 

I prefer Colette to Tank 7 by a mile. I wonder if Tank 7 has changed, because I liked it years ago but found recent samples almost undrinkable -- far too sweet in the malt department, and excessive with the American hops, like a bad IPA. I count my blessings whenever I find Colette here in MA.; it's a finely-executed saison in 6-packs at a great price.

 

It would seem that I am 'in the same boat' as you. I used to be a big fan of Tank 7 in the past and for my last purchase (a couple of years ago I think) I was not as much a fan. I did drink all of those beer so it was not exactly "undrinkable" but it was undesirable enough that I have zero motivation to buy this beer again.

Cheers!

 

4.04/5 rDev -3.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Bottled 5/11/2021 (best before end 2026) - enjoyed on 1/21/2023 - poured from a 750mL capped-and-corked bottle into my Troubadour tulip.

Rosewood body shines a cardinal tinged madder when held to the light. Dark, clear, with a fist of beige resolving to a lasting dense creamy finger. Rich tendrils of fine lacing; faint legs.

Tart funky aromatics, faint red wine vinegar, goat milk, and some vague winter spices and fallen leaves.

Quite malty, reminiscent of an English brown ale almost - toasted grain, oak/cedar, peppercorn, and spices. Low but persistent grassy bitterness. Moderate, phenol-laden yeast character. Fairly dry finish with a tart not-quite-floral edge. Hints of Assam tea.

Medium-bodied, soft, well carbonated with some lingering tannins.

Rustic, style-defying (as usual) dark, lightly (mysteriously) spiced winter saison.