Capped and corked, the usual Fantôme 750 mL presentation.

Clouded, deep orange body with a fizzy initial head that disapates immediately to leave no film and no lace. Light carbonation remains in the mouth. Not great looking, but no panic, it’s Dany!

Nose offers not much more than a sweet, light citrus tone; little else. No bad, just not complex.

Tastes start with a herbal note up front that fades pretty quickly. This is then replaced by the citrus elements. There’s a floral note about the beer which is quite delicate. Slightly yeasty, but the citrus is a central part of the this beer at this age. There’s a slight element of a cider that has been infused with orange juice. Light vinous character too. No tartness, no Brett, and to be honest this is no more than just a lightly sweet and sour orange fruit experience.

Any brewery other than Fantôme, and I’m likely not enjoying this as much, but the quirky nature of the beer is in line with the anticipated experience. Maybe Dany has been fooling us for years, maybe not, but either way this brings a smile to my face.

This isn’t a “saison” in many (if any) senses of the word or style, but of course, it is classically “Fantôme Saison”. Treat it like that, enjoy it for what is and is supposed to be, and you’ll be fine. Over analyze the beer and there will be fractious arguing and unhappiness, and you’ll find a beer that’s past its prime, and pretty one-dimensional. proceed as always with Fantôme!