Sierra Nevada Ovila Saison
It certainly looks tasty!I like the idea behind Sierra Nevada’s Ovila series of beers. It’s an interesting concept that started out pretty solidly with a decent Dubbel. It was my first Belgian inspired product from one of my favorite breweries and it was a solid effort, though not the best dubbel I’ve ever enjoyed. The same can sort of be said about this Saison. It’s not the best I’ve had, but it’s an improvement over the first release in the series.
I was expecting Sierra Nevada to rely heavily on their hop expertise with regard to this beer, perhaps leaning too heavily on it and over-hopping the flavors. Instead, this Saison has just the right amount of grassy, earthy hops to really make this beer shine.
Appearance
After an audible pop and trailing smoke, the beer pours a bright golden amber in color with a thin, white head. Narrow columns of bubbles rise to the surface from the bottom of the glass.
Aroma
There’s a surprising herbal note within the peppery yeast, light hay, grass hops and a touch of sweetness. Joining in is a bit of floral fruit as well, with light lemon and apple making an appearance.
Taste
There’s a good amount of components going on within the flavor of this brew. Light citrus and grassy hops come together over light bisquity malts as a late forming sweetness is accompanied by herbal and spice notes, as well as a touch of earthy honey. The beer starts sharp and crisp before fading to a clean and semi-dry finish. It’s quite refreshing and drinkable. The alcohol (7.0% ABV) is masked wonderfully, never really making an appearance on the palate.
Overall
Of the two Ovila series beers I’ve had, this is by far my favorite. It’s ideal for the warm, sunny weather that surrounded the wife and I as we enjoyed this refreshing brew. I love the light, grassy hops and the herbal notes that come and go throughout the beer.
Rating: 4.25/5