Sweetwater Brewing Company Cool Breeze Cucumber Saison Saison at 4.9% ABV (US $3.17 at Knightly Spirits Orange Blossom Trail, 355 ml, best before 1-Aug-2017, acquired 15-May-2017, reviewed 24-May-2017)
Appearance: clear pale gold with one finger of fluffy white head diminishing gradually to a thin cap, patchy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: cucumber, doughy wheat, lime, peppercorn, coriander and clove. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, mild bitter, light peppery spice. (7/10) Palate: light body, lively carbonation, dry crisp moderately bitter and slightly spicy finish. (3/5)
Very different, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Cucumber leads the way in the aromas, which might seem odd for anybody who hasn’t had gin & tonic with cucumber instead of lime. (I recommend trying it some time if you haven’t!) Through the middle, this is a decent enough Saison, with an appropriately light body and lively carbonation, if a little too emphatic on the spice notes (as so many American Saisons are). Overall, it’s cool and refreshing, and would pair well with a spicy meal. Ultimately, though, it’s a bit too vegetal, both on the nose and in the finish, resulting in a slightly unbalanced bitterness verging on astringent. An interesting change from the everyday, and worth trying for that reason alone, but not one I’m likely to go back to. (13/20)
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
