 ClarkVV (3547), Allston, Massachusetts, USA
Jan 8, 2008
500mL swingtop bottle from DA, drunk on 11/07/07 at about 4-6 months old.
Fabulous appearance, unfiltered, leaving the sediment behind to create a sparkling, clear, pale gold, brassy bottle with a mountain of white, rocky head that is stubbornly retained and shows profuse lacing.
Grassy, lightly leafy hops top off a deliciously estery and phenolic yeast character with a balanced, but tending dry, malt profile of light honey, nuts and a pinch of caramel. Lemon-lime hop and yeast acids linger on the finish, and as it breathes, the malt becomes more like fresh baked baguette, giving a rich, deep maltiness, though never getting too sweet. No alcohol or flaws.
Flavor, not surprisingly, shows a crisp, hop enlivened finish, that gives honey, nuttiness, moist whitebread and white pepper phenols on the way. Tight, engaging carbonation certainly helps its case, giving it a nearly creamy feel. But the dryness helps balance. Esters remain on the finish. Perhaps a bit more "sourdough"-like notes than I’d prefer and it could stand to be a touch more dry, but this is certainly flawlessly brewed, authentic stuff. Nothing wild, funky or particularly unusual, but correct attenuation and a proper yeast will go a long way in a saison. The restraint and low alpha acid qualities of the hops are just icing on the cake.
SQNfan (384), Wheaton, Illinois, USA
Jul 16, 2008 Golden in color with a moderate fluffy head. The aromas were herbaceous with a bunch of dill showing through. In the mouth it starts off fine but quickly fades leaving little flavor.
skoisirius (429), Seattle, Washington, USA
Jul 12, 2008 So far I’ve had every batch of this beauty. Still I believe it may be my favorite Bison product. My review is of the 2006: Pours a golden amber with slight head retention. Citrus, hops, farm waft to the nose. Flavor brings out grass notes combined with slight tart citrus hints, old hops, and a bit of spice. Lingering finish of grass and spice. Really like the delicate hop profile within this one as well. And funky 16.9 oz swingtops? Sold!
decaturstevo (1124), decatur, Tennessee, USA
Jul 6, 2008 Straw gold pour with tight white head and lace. Aroma of Belgian yeast and corriander dominate. A sourish flavor that reminds me of bad apple juice. A hint of malt as well. Thin and watery and just a bit foamy. Poor example of the style to me but not undrinkable.
jrob_21 (822), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Jul 5, 2008 Bottle back from Greensboro. Poured a clear yellow color with some nice carbonation bubbles filtering up into the head. The carbonation came through in the flavor with a little bit of yeast and an unexpected but pleasant hop finish. Aroma was pretty interesting as well with some yeast, must, citrus, orange, and red fruit as well like plum and cherry. Very entertaining brew. One of the nicer saisons I have had.
kiefdog (305), Tampa, Florida, USA
Jun 22, 2008 50cl bottle from Willow Bend Liquors (Tampa, FL). rated on 4/16/08. Pours a cloudy golden color with one finger white head. Clearly visible pariculate matter floating in glass. Aroma is floral with notes of spice, yeast, bread, honey. Flavor is light and spicy with a yeasty-breadiness to it. Notes of banana and vanilla appear as it warms. Slightly bitter on finish. Light to medium-bodied.
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