12 oz single from a recent trip to NY.
The pour is a very bright orange color with a fizzy head that fades quickly to leave no lace but some thin film on the surface of the beer.
The nose is very strong. It’s a sweet, citrusy, herbal mix with the emphasis on the herbs. This is something that I usually enjoy, but this seems unusually aggressive and wears a little.
The tastes reflect that nose, but here the orange-like citric notes come much more into play. There is also a soapy bitterness that manifests itself.
I don’t actually dislike this beer, but to call it a Saison seems stretching it to me – it’s just too bitter and has a weird, dark, gnawing hop presence which is out of place for me.
The alcohol warmth is just too great and the odd combination of flavors (pepper, lime and floral bitterness) don’t sit very well together for me. It reminds me of getting a mouthful of shampoo when in the shower.