Fantôme Hiver (Winter)

Brewed by Brasserie Fantôme
Style: Saison
Soy-Erezée, Belgium

Pours a murky orangey color with a nice initial head, but manageable (surprising considering the loud chirping pop upon bottle opening). Lacing was only ok. The aroma was strong peppers, even some hot peppers, crazy spicing. The flavor was strong black pepper, hot peppers, tomatoes and other vegetables, surprisingly a very excellent blend, a great way for a winter beer to head, learn something American ginger and spice Christmas fools. Mouthfeel was well-carbonated, hearty, full.

Bottle. Big aroma, lots and lots of spice and yeast with a strong winey complexion and a heavy dose of cherry. Cinnamon and coriander top spices here, but there seems to be more of a general sense of "spice." Cloudy and highly carbonated dark amber body with a foamy lacing beige head. Vinous, crisp mouthfeel, medium-full body. Dry spicy aftertaste, long spicy middle, and a touch of harshness. Light tart orange, mild acidity. Wood and dark fruit and a light malty breadiness underlie the restrained cherry, light alcohol as a warming but gentle base. Though the overall impression is of mild sweetness, a nice rindy-spicy bitterness takes us out. Subtle and complex!

Pours clear bronze with a rocky / soapy tan head. The aroma is fruity, earthy and spicy with hints of black currant and black currant and lots of wild yeast. Medium body that is fairly grainy with a moderate amount of carbonation. The taste starts spicy and grainy with a darker, more roasted malt taste than most saisons. The dry black currant is very apparent. There seems to be a chocolate undertone at times on the finish as well as dry spices giving it a sour / tart flavor. Very well done interesting and unique beer. Recommended

Amber colour, light haziness and a thin off-white head. Aroma is spicy, earthy/dusty with light cinnamon and nutmeg as well as some lovely leafiness and a touch of bready malt sweetness. Warming brings up some lovely spicy hop aroma. The flavour is well-balanced, fresh earthy malts, dusty spices and a dusty yeast with strong yeasty breadiness as well. Spicy hops and a touch of wild character over light apricot fruitiness. A minerally flavour accents the spices and lean malts. Light minty finish. Another winner from Fantome!

orange/copper color with a small off-white head. cloudy. aroma of pepper, coriander, creamed corn and hops. the flavor is grainy, creamed corn, coriander, and something earthy, herbal, and minty. maybe some lemon and orange peel. light pepper. herbal flowery flavor.

750ml bottle, 2005 vintage(?). Rather intriguing and complex aroma -- fruity, sour, musty and sweet with notes of cherry, plum and orange along with some dusty, earthy yeast, oaky and sherryish tinges and in the background a faint, sugary sweetness. Deep reddish copper color, lightly hazy with a foamy, lasting, off-white head and plenty of lace as a result. Flavor is composed of a unique blend of elements, beginning with a blend of spices and dark fruits, becoming sweeter and maltier with hints of roastiness and chocolate coming through before a lightly tart, bittersweet, yeasty and tangy finish. Palate is lush and creamy with plenty of effervescence and a medium-full body. Alcohol does not make its presence known. Wondrous and enjoyable.

Got this in a trade. I like Fantome and just don’t seem to buy them. this was a dirty water looking brew. I was expecting more of a radical sour funky brew but this was more like a blend of different style.Some caramel notes blended with a bit of earthy notes. An interesting beer but not my fav.

Bottle. Pours a deep amber with a limiteed head. Nose is musty and woodsy. Flavor is coffee and tobacco, two other vices to go along with the third. This is not a traditional Saison and I would have liked more ot the regular notes associated with the style. It is more roasted and not as clean as I would have liked but an interesting brew none the less.