Clipper City Heavy Seas Red Sky At Night

Brewed by Clipper City Brewing Co.
Style: Saison
Baltimore, Maryland USA

Had it on tap at Boulevard Woodgrill in Arlington, Virginia. It was a clear, pale, golden yellow with a white head and some lacing. The aroma is banana, clove, yeast, and tropical fruit. The flavor is spicy and very fruity. The alcohol is petty well hidden in this. I really enjoyed it - great summer brew.

Rated 4/3/06: As the weather begins to gradually become warmer, I find myself looking for those special spring time seasonal beers. I came across this saison at my favorite shop, eager for something that cried sunshine I quickly grabbed a sixer. Poured a very colorful light orange almost copper color into my glass, the steady carbonation quickly produced a thick creamy head. The lacing is moderate, and the head soon diminished to a thin yet creamy layer. I was pleasantly surprised at the presence of the lacing and head considering the higher alcohol content. As this beer warmed up a bit the aroma really took off. A mixture of semi-sweet malts and hoppy bitterness dominate the overall scent which is accented with an earthy affect that I found extremely appealing. The flavor is right in line with the aromas that are given off. Malty and considerably hoppy the flavor is complex at first but gives way to a simplicity that is difficult to explain. There is a peppery flavor that seems to lead to hints of citrus and cloves. The mouthfeel is fresh. The malts create a smooth finish that is surprisingly full. I really started to enjoy this saison once it warmed up a bit. The high ABV only made it’s presence known as I exhaled, a real nice effect. Truly an enjoyable beer, and a great cure for spring fever.

Pours crystal clear gold with a tiny white head. Aroma is fruity with citrus hints. Flavor is citrus with maybe some coriander. Tastes much like a witte, but with the addition of grassy hop flavors. 8% abv ? You would never know it by the taste as there is no noticeable alcohol presence. A very good drinking beer. Light and refreshing.

poured a yellow/orange with a slight haze to it. Large head that stayed true to my Tulip glass. Nice spicy but fruity taste with a lot of carbonation. I have not tried the saison style before but I look forward to trying others.

Festive, fruity and spicy aroma, some light bubblegum and banana esters combined with gentler notes of coriander, pear, pineapple, white grape, light brown sugar, pepper, mint and a touch of soft floral sweetness. Medium golden color, lightly hazy (bottle conditioned) with a slight head. Flavor profile is likewise sweet, fruity, spicy and peppery with hints of alcohol towards the long, herbal, malty, slightly vinous and warming finish. Candi sugar is quite apparent throughout. Medium-full body, mouthfeel is smooth and lightly syrupy. Actually pretty tasty, though certainly not going to fool anyone into thinking it’s Belgian, as has been pointed out by others. Thanks to TAR and cb for this rare and interesting ale. Not too many American brewers have an 8%+ summer seasonal.

Sample at Brew Kettle: Pours a clear orange-gold color with a thin white head that has decent retention. Thin, spotty lacing. Aroma of spices (mostly ginger) and yeast, plus a healthy dose of fruit. Light-bodied and crisp with zesty citrus, wheat and yeast flavors. The finish is tingly on the tongue with a lasting spice finish. I ended up enjoying this one.

Bottle thanks to santoslhalper. Great tangy sugary orange blossom nose, with sour mash and yeasty funk. Very reminiscent of funkier saisons and even some Belgian tripels. Takes me back to Europe. Fruity and aromatic. Pale golden clear with light haze and small chunky particles, topped with thin white lacing head. Medium bodied with medium to light carbonation. Starts with a yeasty funky tang, orange blossom, yeast and candi sugar. A bit of warming but not powerful. Very nice orange citrus zest to it that keeps it from being too cloying. Finish is fruity with light yeasty character and mild hoppy finish. Not bitter at all. Orange marmalade and tang in the after. Nice little ale.

Bottle. Hazy bright golden color with good sized white head. Aroma is very fruity with yeast and spice. The taste is a bit sweet with not as much spiciness breaking through as I would like. Lightly herbal finish with light fruits. Not bad at all. I’ll bump up the overall rating because it was very cheep compared to other available belgians and saisons at the bar.