Oct 18, 2010

Brooklyn Sorachi Ace

It was recommended to me several months ago on Twitter that I should keep my eyes peeled for Brooklyn Brewery’s limited release Sorachi Ace. Well, I got lucky a couple of weeks ago and happened across a bottle of this Saison at a local shop.

Brewed with (and named after) a rare hop variety — Sorachi Ace was originally developed in Japan back in the late 80’s but never really took off — this beer carries with it a truly remarkable palate that is refreshing and very well could be the best American-made Saison I’ve had. The key to this beer is certainly the unique hop variety.

Described as a cross between British “Brewer’s Gold” and the Czech “Saaz,” Sorachi Ace has a lighter fruit profile, but gives off a strong lemony aroma and flavor. The overall effect, when in the hands of Brooklyn’s brewers, was the perfect accompaniment to a relaxing afternoon last week.

Appearance

Sorachi Ace pours a a hazy straw in color with a large, fluffy white head that held together nicely, eventually fading with excellent lacing. It certainly looks like a Saison.

Aroma

This beer smells great. It’s grassy and lemony, carring a subtle farmhouse funkiness that you look for in a good Saison. There’s a hint of spiciness from the yeast in the mix, as well.

Taste

Wow. This is as tasty as you can get. First off, the mouthfeel is light, quite crisp and refreshing. The Sorachi Ace hops are unique, imparting a light lemony citrus character, as well as a light grassy component. It’s not an overly hoppy beer in terms of it’s bite or bitterness, but it’s got a bit more of a punch than the likes of Dupont’s Saison. The finish has a bit more of a hop presence that lingers nicely. There isn’t a hint of the 7.6% ABV to be found.

Overall

I stopped by the same shop I had originally bought this from the day after enjoying this bottle with my wife, but unfortunately there wasn’t a bottle of Sorachi Ace to be found. I will most certainly keep my hout for this one again. I do love a good Saison and this one proved to be one of the better, if not the best, American made version I’ve enjoyed. The addition of the Sorachi Ace hops was definitely key to this beers charcter and uniqueness.

Rating: 4.5/5

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