A Salute to Saisons! (2022)

109 degree weather in St. Louis and I was craving a saison. Ended up trying out Maypop, my second beer from Scratch that I’ve tried.

Very, very fine fizzy head upon pouring that quickly dissipated, but continues to produce effervescence in the glass like a sparkling wine. Has a vinous blanc de blanc Champagne nose, with lemon peel, yellow apple, and yeast notes. Light in body with a slight spritz and acidic streak on the palate, with flavors of quince, underripe passion fruit, tart apple, and some earthiness. I would have enjoyed more texture and carbonation on the palate, but this is still pretty tasty.

 

Thought I would join in the Salute to Saisons with this Blackberry Farm Classic Saison 6.3% ABV. It has some age on it but it has held up well. This is a subtle beauty. Spicy hops on an effervescent medium bodied malt base. Dry finish is perfect for a hot, humid Georgia summer afternoon.

 

Discovered this gem on vacation at Inlet Island, FL. Iydll Hounds Brewery in Santa Rosa Beach, FL Rosemary Saison 6% ABV. The Rosemary herbs compliment the spicy hops perfectly. Glad I gave it a try, really enjoyed this one. Well crafted.

 

Having a fabulous Saison Sunday, my "I don't have to run day", with this gem from Jester King.

Jester King Biere de Miel



Full review in the New Beer Sunday #910 thread. I'm a fan of honey, and this offering showcases it wonderfully. Everything blends well, aromas and flavors burs and are wonderful. A rare 5.0 overall beer for me, so happy I popped this open.

Dancing joyously with the Saison Crew!

 

Saison D’Epeautre - Brewery Ardennes



It says, “Brewed with Spelt,” right here on the can under a watercolor rendering of Barley, one of their French Bulldogs. Imagine my surprise when the transition of “D’Epeaute” popped up.

Just look at that classic Farmhouse Saison! Pardon me, “Belgian style Farmhouse Ale.” The head was a little too brief, at less than five minutes, retreating from that billowing cumulus cloud to a thick ring after leaving chunky patches of lace. Tiny grains of yeast have landed at the bottom of the glass, while the dark gold beer slowly, yet never quite, clears. Medium sized orbs of carbonation burst forth at regular intervals, sometimes forming transient columns, other times rouge interlopers. 3.75

The aroma is initially dense with earthyness, quickly followed by mild funkyness, just short of the common horse blanket. There is a fair share of fermenting apple, moderated by the zing of lime. An herbal presence reveals prominent basil and light mint. After reaching ambient temperature, floral honey becomes unmistakable. 4

The nose is well re-presented in the flavor, with mild sweet/sour/bitterness taking turns in equal proportions, though alternating duration and combination. The herbal and earthy quality can not be under stated nor can the welcoming comfort they provide. The apple quickly fades leaving the brightness of lemon/lime as a contrast. The finish is modest and lingering, with a dry grassy touch. 4.25

The Medium body has a texture similar to rough cotton linen. Alcohol is spot on expectations, while carbonation scours on entry. Warmth brings a mild metallic note. 4

This beer is just right for a cool Sunday afternoon in late July. The clouds are providing an unbroken shade over the sun, while the bugs chatter away and the birds chirp out melodies. 4

 

Dug this out, last bottle I have from a case I bought long ago. I’m pretty sure it’s from 2012. Drink now these are not getting better. Huge sweet funk on the pour, lots of carbonation and Brett going on. Smells great. Taste is bitter and not quite sour. Dry finish. This beer was great when fresh and now it just tastes off, not in a bad way but not good either.

Enjoy

 

I do not fully understand the science but the presence of Brett in the beer does support several years of aging. For example Orval provides a 5 year best by duration for their beers.

At 10 years with Helios you have essentially went twice past that duration.

Still, the fact this beer is still 'drinkable' says something.

Cheers!

 

Jannemie is a very nice saison, though I do prefer Robert a bit more. RRBC does a nice job with their saisons these days.

 

I had Erudition on one of my visits to the brewery years ago - they did a good job with the style back then as well.

Looking forward to Funky Foeder as well if I can grab a bottle locally...

 

A "barrel aged table saison showcasing heirloom barley and oats" - review here (4.09).

 

At button mash getting my ass whooped by wife

 

The only "stout " they have here is yorkshire square export stout. I've never heard of that and have zero desire to drink that crap

 

I am no stranger to Saison Dupot and Saison Du Rosier from Cellador but thats where i end it. I can only be so Fru Fru ( Bourgeois) and indulge in green bottles.
Welcome to my LA Nightmare.

1 stout thats usually adjuncted, milk or export crap , 15 IPAs and 2 lagers available at 98% of places here.

 

Yorkshire Square is near Monkish in Torrance. They brew traditional English ales and serve several on cask.

Their Export Stout, perhaps the same as you encountered, sounds like one worth trying. Between the ABV and Export Stout label, I'd expect it to land near the North Coast Old Rasputin side of the non barrel aged ledger.

I hope to make it to Yorkshire next visit to California.

http://yorkshiresquarebrewery.com/beer/

Castle Dangerous, Export Stout, 9% ABV. Gold medal winner from 2019. Limited availability.

 

I looked it up on way home but still didnt care to try it. Esp at 10 dollars for a pour, maybe if i came across it somewhere it cans , but man los angeles is a hell hole for me ever since sunset beer closed.
Drinking is gettin very expensive for me and i don't like it.