Sauterneal Saison

750mL bottle drunk late 2014.
Rich golden-hued body is well-carbonated and clear with a small, off-white head atop showing moderate-to-low retention.
Honey, honey and more honey in the nose with gentle white wine acidity, light wood tannin and plentiful yellow fruit esters. No unwanted phenols (clove, bubble gum, cotton candy), minimal white pepper and not too heavy on the barrel, with lingering black pepper and moderate grape must, yet no alcohol or flaw.
In the mouth it's soft, supple, malty and yet well-attenuated with soft barrel tannin, light mineral character from the wine and plentiful honey-like malt notes with lingering yellow fruit, vanilla and light oak. Very rich and flavorful, yet doesn't feel heavy or sluggish on the palate; tight carbonation helping with that. No alcohol or flaw. Really disappointing that Mystic has all but abandoned its saison program to become just another cookie-cutter contemporary brewery. Though I don't blame them; NE IPAs and fruited, lactose kettle sours sell like wildfire, so what can ya do....

Bottle. Pours orange gold. White head. Nose/taste of oak, saison yeast, pear, lemon and white wine. Medium body.

Bottle thanks Nick. Pours a cloudy yellow with medium white head that lasts. The aroma is wheat, yeast, clove, banana. Medium mouthfeel with strong wine, sweet yeast, dry finish. Very good.

From a bottle at the EBF Saturday Crisp a little tart and peppery another nice beer from the Saison brewery.