Nov 23, 2015

Flying Dog Citrus Saison and Sugar Cookies Pairing

The second beer and cookie pairing in this years holiday release from Flying Dog Brewery and Otterbein’s Bakery features Citrus Saison and sugar cookies. Now, I’m not the biggest fan of sugar cookies in general. It’s not that I don’t like them — they just don’t do anything for me. But I’m willing to try anything at least once.

Citrus Saison weighs in at 6.1% ABV and 17 IBU. It incorporates a blend of White Wheat, Rye and Acidulated malt, as well as Saaz hops for an overall character that reminds of a funky radler. Pouring a hazy, pale gold in color and a dense cap of white foam, the beer gives off a strong grapefruit aroma, lemon zest, barnyard and grain.

Flying Dog Citrus Saison and Sugar Cookies Pairing photo

Tons of grapefruit and lemony tartness present themselves immediately with trailing grain, yeast, funk and a touch of honey. The effervescent mouthfeel is an interesting touch and only adds to the radler impression. The beer has a fun, refreshing character.

As for the cookies, much like the previous pairing, they arrived in small shards. That’s to be expected when the cookies are wonderfully thin and crisp. And as much as I’m not a fan of sugar cookies, the aroma wafting from the bag once opened, is heavenly. A good bit of doughy flavor, sweetness and a hint of lemon zest persist with each bite.

Separately, each side of this pairing holds their own without the aid of the other. The Citrus Saison isn’t your typical example of the style and that’s cool by me. The Otterbein’s sugar cookies aren’t my favorite, but still yummy. Together, however, they just don’t work for me. They sort of muddle the flavors of one another instead of amplifying or complimenting each other’s individual elements.

Rating: 3.5/5

This is a review of a promotional sample.

More: ,