Crooked Stave Vieille Artisinal Saison Saison at 4.2% ABV (US$7.99 at Knightly Spirits Orange Blossom Trail, 375 ml, packaged on 6-Jul-1905, acquired 15-May-2017, reviewed 8-Jul-2017)
Appearance: clear straw with one finger of rocky white head diminishing gradually to a thin ring, minimal lacing. (3/5) Aroma: lemon zest, white wine, oak, dry hay funk. (8/10) Taste: moderate-low sweet, moderate tart, minimal bitter. (8/10) Palate: light body, lively carbonation, crisp finish. (4/5)
It’s good, but… well, I’m not sure. There was initially a hint of an almost skunk-like aroma, but not in an off-putting or offensive way. That faded rapidly, leaving behind zesty lemon and vinous white wine backed up by a dry brett funk. When I poured the lees, the aromas and flavours mellowed and altered considerably as the beer became nearly opaque, becoming reminiscent of a Gueuze. This might also have been a result of allowing it to warm even more – I started with it at about 42ºF, which was probably a little too cold. By the time it hit 53ºF, it had opened and mellowed a lot. I’m not sure that it’s very Saison-like – really more of a barrel-aged Sour or Wild – but it’s pretty darned good. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
