750mL growler filled 12/8, shared by Chris on 12/9/17.
Dark cola-to-mahogany with a dark grey, chalk-colored head showing low retention. High clarity.
Root beer, sarsaparilla, anise, honey, biscuit and cocoa powder all do a pretty good job of giving the impression of a dark, spiced/herbed saison. Perhaps a bit heavy on the mint and anise, but nothing outrageous. Very floral as it warms, with the esters and phenols of the yeast somewhat obscured.
More chocolatey in flavor than the nose suggests with a malty, supple texture and great, tight carbonation. Spicy and with floral notes from the oranges softening and brightening things both at the same time. Light herbal bitterness on the end balances perfectly with little/no associated astringency. It's much, much more a gruit than a spiced saison, but whatever it is, it's really f-in good.