Burdock Brewing BUMO IV – Saison at 8.1% ABV (C$18.99 at Oak & Vine, 375 ml, packaged on 1-Sep-2017, acquired 25-May-2018, reviewed 16-Nov-2019)
Appearance: slightly hazy ruby red with a short fizzy pink head settling rapidly to nothing, no lacing. (3/5) Aroma: baker’s yeast, red grape must, oak, berries, earthy funk, pepper. (6/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate tart, moderate-low bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, lively carbonation, off-dry mildly tart lightly funky finish. (4/5)
Honestly? I’m not sure why people make such a big deal about these guys. In my experience, they range from the lower end of mediocre, all the way up to… the higher end of mediocre. I mean, it’s not like there aren’t some awesome breweries in the Centre of the Universe, so why make a big deal over some overpriced hybrids? Maybe if you’re actually more a wine geek than a beer geek, I suppose, but to be honest, this is reminiscent of nothing more than a cheap homemade red wine kit. Certainly the vinous and barrel notes completely overwhelm any Saison that might once have been present. OK, fine, it’s not terrible – but it’s definitely not worth the price of admission, either. (13/20)
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
