Council Brewing Co. Béatitude Guava Tart Saison – Saison at 4.5% ABV (C$19.49 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 750 ml, packaged on 14-Sep-2016, acquired 18-Nov-2017, reviewed 28-Jan-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale straw with a short fine white head diminishing rapidly to nothing, no lacing. (3/5) Aroma: doughy yeast, zesty lemon, tropical fruit, light earthy funk. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high tart, moderate sweet, low bitter, light funk. (8/10) Palate: light body, lively carbonation, short tart finish. (4/5)
I’ve always thought that Council brews smelled like my uncles’ homebrew, i.e. baker’s yeast. (Yes, I have cool uncles who gave me homebrew beer when I was underage, jelly much?) I’m actually more than a little impressed that such a low ABV beer is both so flavourful, and able to maintain its character during extended cellaring. I mean, I suspected it would be able to do so, or I wouldn’t have cellared it as long as I did, but still: well done. I’ve always considered this brewery to be better than average, so I’m a bit saddened to hear that they’re out of business – but I’m not completely shocked, because their yeast was always the same, and always front and centre, and I get that not everyone appreciated that. On the other hand, this is a true Brett Sour that adheres to the stye guidelines for Saison (particularly, sufficiently low ABV that you can drink two litres of this per day while working in the fields) so that’s a major thumbs up from the pedantic me. I honestly don’t know if I could identify a guava to save my life, but this is definitely emphatically tropical fruit dominant. Bottom line: I might not always have completely agreed with your brewing choices, Council, but I mourn your passing. (16/20)
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