8.1

Appearance - 10 | Aroma - 8 | Flavor - 8 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 7.5

Draft at the brewery, 1/11/13
Perfect pour yields a long-lasting white head atop a slightly hazy golden body. Very well-carbonated.
Chardonnay and yeast notes are integrated nicely in the nose. White pepper-like phenols and plentiful fruitiness complement each other, while there is a slight woodiness and touch of alcohol on the end. Neither are overdone and the aroma is plentiful and sustaining as the beer warms. Don’t get much of the lemon or lime, probably just so well-integrated with the rest of the beer.
Saison yeast produces banana, light bubblegum and tons of pepper, while the grape flavor is both juicy and bright. Significant drying on the finish due to the oak and alcohol, though neither is persistent or out of place. Ample body provided by the malt, but very well-attenuated; this is certainly all about the yeast and barrel. Tight carbonation, very well-balanced. Would like this with a little less alcohol, but that’s just a personal preference. Listed abv on website is 9.1 but the menu at the brewery said 8.8.