Firestone Walker Brewing Company Opal Farmhouse Saison at 7.5% ABV | 35 IBU (C$12.99 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 650 ml, bottle date 21-Jul-2016, acquired 18-Sep-2016, reviewed 24-Sep-2016)
Appearance: slightly hazy straw with two fingers of rocky light ivory head, excellent retention and moderate lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus zest, white grape must, hay, white pepper, light barnyardy funk. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter and peppery spice, light funk. (8/10) Medium-light body, moderate carbonation, off-dry mild bitter and lightly funky finish. (4/5)
A nice Saison, even if it is really too high in ABV to be considered “in-spec.” And it’s a touch sweet, but all in all, it’s pretty decent. Light, clean, and pleasant to drink. I wouldn’t serve it too cold, though – straight out of the fridge, this would be pretty mild, maybe to the point of blandness, but it opens up nicely as it warms. Then the 7.5% ABV comes along and whacks you in the back of the head with a baseball bat. So, all good, right? (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
