330mL bottle drunk on 4/28/07
Is it pizza or is it beer? No, just kidding, I dont get the pizza thing at all, really. It’s a damned fine beer and the sage isn’t overdone. Sure, it’s well-present and you’re not going to miss it in the least, but it’s no different than using hops in beer, and I think there’s a pretty strong movement for those. Granted, hops are probably a bit more enjoyable than sage, but I’ve always enjoyed gruits and the like and this is a nice change of pace. The unfiltered texture and natural carbonation give it a creamy mouthfeel, while the pils malt is tremendously soft, chewy and full of flavorful, rich honey suggestions. Some doughy yeast inevitably gets in there too, but everything is smoothed out and balanced by the sage. And add to that some very lovely, reserved belgian yeast esters of apricot, peach and nectarine and you’ve got a fantastic blonde ale a la sage. Crisp on the finish, with appropriate attenuation. Very quenching, no sign of the alcohol, nor any flaws. Lightly hazy blonde body has plenty of off-white head that laces well and shows strong retention.

Golden hazy ale with a thin white head. Sweet spicy malt with light sage notes, and pepper. In mouth, a crisp clean malt with ssage and hops, herbal, very nice and clean, some rhubarb notes. Very nice. Mondial 2006.