Russian River Erudition

Brewed by Russian River Brewing
Style: Saison
Santa Rosa, California USA

Arma: Apple, spices, and wonderfully funky funky brett character wow! Appearance: Cloudy, golden with a nice head very appealing Flavor: Dry, Balance of malt restrained hops citrusy Palate: Very refreshing, some sour notes and very intriguing with that funky flavors Overall: I have to say one my absolute favorite commerical representations of Saisons.. Another excellent Belgian Style brewed by Russian River... anytime I make a trip up ther I have to try the Belgians. In my opinon no one in the Bay Area can match Vinnie for the quality, variety and number of Belgian style beers on tap

Tap at Monks. Poured hazy golden with a small white head. Pretty good retention and foam. Aroma had apple cider, citrus, wheat and orange peel. Some honey was added to the taste. Maybe I am missing something here because I thought this was very good. The mouthfeel was wonderful I thought with good balance.

This was my first experience into the world of Saisons. I couldn’t believe the depth and character of this beer. Had a nice, delicate apple cider aroma. The taste is very crisp and clean. It has hints of sweetness with a little bit of tart aftertaste. I’d guess that this style of beer is in the eye of the beholder, but I was very pleased by this beer. I’m continually impressed by Vinnie’s ability to create quality beers of various types. They simply all are winners.

On tap@ the Bistro poured a hazy yellow with a small white head. Aromas of horseblanket, leather, and grapefruit rind. Big brett flavor with grapefruit rind and a hint of orange with a dry finish.

(Draft: O’Brien’s in San Diego, CA) So, I don’t think this is my style of beer -- I really don’t like this, not even a little. It smells kind of bad, like rotting garbage, and thankfully, the nose isn’t especially aromatic, so I can’t smell this from a distance. The flavor is somewhat sweet, but moderately tart. Lightly hoppy initially, but picking up a bit more in the finish. But again, there is that rotting vegetables in the flavor that I just can’t get past. Light bodied. Cloudy yellow color. White creamy head consists of very small bubbles, but fades to a small halo, leaving no lace. I can’t even finish this beer.

Dasilky is a crazy mofo....Poursa cloudy yellow pee hue with a halo of a white head. Aromas of pee/b.o., a light spice and citrus. Mouthfeel is medium bodied with a nice effervescence. Flavors of orange peel, spice, honey, a little bubblegum, a little more pee stink, and a light funk. I think Vinnie peed in this one

On tap at Bistro 2005 Belgian Fest. Light gold color. Medium sized white foamy head, long lasting lacing. Aroma is barnyard, touches of leather and must and something else I can’t quite place. A medium bodied saison. Malts are fruity and sweet. Lots of banana esters. Touches of bretts, some hoppiness. Lots of fruity esters and a touch of leather and must. Lively carbonated. Light and refreshing. Mouthfeel is full and round. Finish is clean, crisp and dry. Aftertaste is sweet.

Draft. 6% alcohol and aged in chardonnay barrels for a year. Golden, slightly hazy beer with a nice white head. Spicey aroma with some fruitiness to it. Oaky flavor with lots (too much) apple/pear. Some spice and a bit of sweet malt. Finishes dry. Possibly some wheat.