22 oz bottle, $7.99, #14 in the Side Project series.

I’m immediately put on the defensive by the idea of a ‘Black Saison’; as a traditionalist and a person that really loves a great Saison this doesn’t really fill me with a lot of inspiration or hope.

Jet black body with a small, creamy head.

Some nice lemony, citrus notes in the nose, and a simple replication in the tastes. Some nice, sharp orange peel and a few light spices and white pepper in there too. Very, very minimal roastiness (which I am glad about), but then again why use the dark malts?? There’s a decent dose of bitterness, but it’s based in saison tartness and a light spicy nature rather than a roasted element. I don’t get much rye either, which for me is also a good thing.

A smooth creaminess in the mouth comes with the fine bubbles.

Although I enjoyed the beer somewhat, I really don’t see the point of use use of the dark malts. They really don’t bring a significant roast character, and since they don’t do that, why not just brew the beer with a more traditional grain bill? It comes across as gimmicky, i.e. a stunt to make something ‘different’ – that bothers me a little.