Prairie Artisan Ales ‘Merica Saison at 7.5% ABV | 35 IBU (US$3.99 at Knightly Spirits Orange Blossom Trail, 355 ml, packaged on 15-Aug-2016, acquired 15-May-2017, reviewed 6-Aug-2017)
Appearance: brilliantly clear pale straw with one fat finger of fluffy white head, excellent retention and heavy soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: white grape must, dry hay, citrus zest, pome fruit, barnyardy funk. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate bitter, mild funk. (6/10) Palate: medium slightly slick body, lively carbonation, slightly cloying and boozy finish. (3/5)
This starts out looking and smelling fantastic: because I reserved the lees, the initial pour was brilliantly clear, and the aroma was a great combination of Nelson Sauvin vinous notes and brettanomyces hay and funk. (This is a SMASH Saison, with Bohemian Pilsner malt and Nelson Sauvin hops.) Unfortunately, in my opinion, things went a little sideways with the first sip, which was a bit too sweet and alcoholic for the style. This carried through into the finish, which ended up being slightly cloying and slick, and definitely not the way I like to see this style play out. Hmm… looks good, smells good, has questionable taste – haven’t I been here before quite recently in a review? (14/20)
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
