Aug 5, 2014

Allagash Saison

Allagash Brewing just recently put this 6.1% ABV Saison into their year-round rotation back in March of this year, but it wasn’t until a couple of months later that I actually ran across it down here in Virginia. I’m a huge fan of this brewery — one quick look around the site can tell you as much. They, along with Brewery Ommegang, just know how to interpret and utilize Belgian yeast in creating some of the more finely crafted and memorable beers in the U.S.

Siason is brewed with 2-Row blend, malted rye, oats and dark Belgian candi sugar as well as a healthy combination of Tettnang, Bravo and Cascade hop varieties. The result is a beer that is lively, refreshing and brings a rather rustic, earthy character with each sip. Needless to say, the four pack of this brew that I had purchased didn’t last but a day or two in the household.

Appearance

Saison pours a slightly hazy, straw yellow in color with a dense cap of white foam.

Allagash Saison

Aroma

Earthy grains, herbal hop notes, smooth bit of barnyard funk, lemon zest and a touch of pepper combine for an inviting aroma.

Taste

Zesty, herbal hops lead the way as grain and a moderate funk arrive effortlessly. An overall earthy character drives the flavor profile along with peppery yeast and distant citrus notes fade smoothly into the slightly drying finish that also brings a light measure of malt sweetness. The crisp mouthfeel and spicy hop traits makes for one heck of a refreshing brew.

Overall

I really like this beer. It refreshes and quenches the thirst nicely — and tastes pretty darn good, too. It’s made several appearances in the beer fridge since this initial purchase. The wife and I have agreed that it’s rustic, earthy character (along with that touch of funkiness) make it an ideal beer for the hot months of Summer.

Rating: 4/5

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