7.8

Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 8 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 8

10oz glass at happy hour for only $1, more reason to go to 23rd. I am pretty sure this is the first saison 23rd has ever made, I think because this the first original recipe from the assistant brewery. I appreciate that the brewery went with something new (not just an IPA) and took a twist on a traditional style, so points just for not being squares. The beer comes to me with a nice thick head atop a dark orange color and thick looking body, cannot see through it. Aroma is Belgian sweetness and subdued esters. This may be the best aspect of the beer, meaning lack of a problem. Many brewpubs and first time saison brewers produce highly estry brews. This was not the case, a very controlled ester release, which I really appreciate. Same in the flavor. The beer has a little more sweetness than I prefer but still within the realm of what I like (I like sweeter beers). The rye adds a nice roundness to the malt character. A fun beer that I can’t wait to drink again... hmmm need to get there for happy hour again.