Village Brewery Rancher Alberta Birthday Saison Saison at 5.5% ABV (C$7.79 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 650 ml, no bottle date or best before, acquired 23-Jul-2016, reviewed 24-Jul-2016)
Appearance: hazy pale straw with a short-lived loose white head, no lacing. (3/5) Aroma: white pepper, wheat, orange peel, light burnt rubber. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, mild bitter, light tart. (6/10) Medium-light body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lightly bitter and tart finish. (3/5)
I called it white pepper, but having looked up the brewer’s notes, I guess it’s Grains of Paradise and pink peppercorns – whatever. I’m a bit conflicted on this one: one the one hand, it’s got that rustic character that I like to see in a Saison, but on the other hand, I’m getting a hint of what I identify as burnt rubber (I’m a gearhead, so sue me), which is either an infection, autolyze, or light-struck – but an off flavour any way you slice it. Not one of their better efforts, unfortunately. (12/20)
6/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
