Brasserie Saint James Red Headed Stranger Saison at 7.4% ABV (US$13.49 at Total Wines & More, Henderson NV, 750 ml, no bottle date or best before)
Appearance: clear red-tinged medium amber with a fat finger of fluffy light tan head diminishing gradually to a thick cap, spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: caramel malt, pepper, dark fruit, citrus, light funk, spice. (7/10) Taste: mild sweet, moderate bitter, light tart and pepper. (7/10) Medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry crisp bitter and lightly spicy finish. (4/5)
A different kind of saison, to be sure – kind of analogous to red ales, in that it’s malt-forward, but it doesn’t feel unnatural or forced. It’s still got a lot of the saison characteristics I enjoy – some funkiness, light peppery spice, and a dry crispness. And yeah, that’s a pretty big ABV for the style, but it’s well done and doesn’t make it hot or impart any solvent tones. A pleasant shoulder style for a shoulder season. (14/20)
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
