Birra dell’Eremo Saggia – Witbier at 5% ABV (2019 Craft Beer Advent Calendar #21, 330 ml, packaged on 22-Mar-2019, best before 31-Dec-2020, acquired 22-Nov-2019, reviewed 21-Dec-2019)
Appearance: hazy straw with one fat finger of fluffy white head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: coriander, wheat, candi sugar, Belgian yeast phenols, floral & herbal, citrus, white pepper. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate spice, moderate-low bitter. (6/10) Palate: medium-light body, lively carbonation, off-dry short mildly spicy finish. (4/5)
So, “saggia” means “wise” in Italian, but it still sounds terrible to an English speaker – like something a New Yorker would say about gramma’s boobs. To me, this feels over-spiced, with too much emphasis on the coriander/clove notes for it to be really refreshing. It might be better paired with a savoury meal, since then the spice would stand out less, but alone, it’s a bit less than impressive. (13/20)
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
