Sly Fox Saison Vos
Back in July of last year, Sly Fox Brewing announced that they would be distributing to Virginia late 2012. I’m not exactly sure when they started showing up on shelves, but I first picked up this bottle of the Pennsylvania brewery’s Saison Vos in late October (I think).
This 6.9% ABV Belgian-style farmhouse ale is brewed with German Pils malt and East Kent Goldings hops. The result is a beer that has a number of the desirable traits that I look for in a beer of this style, but is just a bit too soft for my liking. It’s a tasty beer with good flavor. I just prefer my saisons/farmhouse ales with a bit more of a snap to refresh.
Appearance
A large, rocky stack of white foam rests atop the golden straw colored brew.
Aroma
Grain, grass, subtle spice notes and distant yeast combine for a solid aroma.
Taste
Yeast, a light funk, grain, cereal and grass all combine nicely before giving way to a good bit of hop bitterness that swells initially before fading. The finish has a lingering hop tingle and burst of alcohol warmth in the chest as herbal and spice notes persist.
Overall
Saison Vos served as my introduction to this company and, for the most part, it’s a pretty solid first meeting. The beer has good flavor and drinks well, but is a bit soft and warming for my personal liking when it comes to saisons. I don’t mind the amount of alcohol within the brew. I’d just like it hidden a touch more. Other than that, I quite enjoyed this farmhouse ale.
Rating: 3.75/5
