Draught at Oxbow, Portland, 5/17/15
Brilliant golden pour with a lovely white head atop. Mildly hazy.
Soft but well-done hoppy nose showcases light herbs, plenty of floral notes and some juicier, succulent green grass. Very light esters (nectarine-like) mix with this and as light acidity joins the mix, it’s got all the makings of a classic saison, albeit with a good stamp of individuality on it. It’s not an Americanized saison, yet nor is it just another Dupont clone (not that there’s anything wrong with those). A touch fruitier than some of the classic Belgians, and with less in-your-face fresh cut herbs than Thiriez or even Dupont, it nonetheless remains rustic with light hay and herbal qualities as well as plenty of citrus (lemon, very light tangerine essence). All this on the backbone of a light, 5% abv beer that is both well-attenuated, but not to the point of being bone dry (it is very dry, nonetheless).
Easy to pass by, which to some degree, I think this brewery has been. I’d say I’m surprised, but I’m not. There’s just not enough love for the non-barrel aged, low gravity, non-flashy stuff. Anyhow, I’m glad for it, as these guys are right up my alley and it makes their beers a bit more obtainable than the SARAs and DeGardes of the world.