Modern Times Beer Lomaland Saison at 5.5% ABV | 30 IBU (C$4.24 at Oak & Vine, 473 ml, packaged on 3-Mar-2017, acquired 26-Apr-2017, reviewed 29-Jul-2017)
Appearance: hazy straw with one fat finger of loose white head diminishing gradually to a persistent cap, patchy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: grassy hay, crackery malt, doughy yeast, white pepper, hint of banana, earthy funk. (8/10) Taste: moderate-low sweet, moderate bitter, mild tart & funk. (8/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate-high carbonation, drying and lightly funky finish. (4/5)
Not sure I entirely agree with the label: “rustic”, sure, but “bright”? Not so much. Not that that’s a criticism, just an observation. In fact, it’s a very nice Saison, just not one I’d call “bright”. (Actually, I’m not sure I’ve ever had one I would call “bright”, so…) Fairly Belgian aromas, with grassy hay (hello, Saaz!) leading the way over mild spice and gentle earthiness. The flaked wheat comes through as a bread dough note, but I can’t say I’m getting any of the flaked corn the label claims – certainly there’s none of the sweet adjunct flavours I usually associate with corn. I kept waiting for the pepper to grow in the finish, but it stayed mild, and the beer is quite approachable overall. All in all, it’s nowhere near the best beer I’ve had by this brewery, but it’ll do. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
