Tag: saison

Not A Review: Maui Brewing Company’s Lemongrass Saison

Good beer also comes in cans now.
Good beer also comes in cans now.

I know I’m no longer doing the Year of Beer. But, I am still drinking beer on occasion, I’m still reviewing it (not here.) I’ve decided that occasionally reviews will appear here. Though They won’t be part of the original 52. I’ve been a fan of saisons ever since I tried Brasserie Dupont’s Saison Dupont last summer. One of my favorite breweries, North Coast, has a good example: Le Merle.  I don’t see them on the shelves often. When I do I always make a point of picking it up and giving it a try.

2013-08-04 18.22.44
Cans are not quite a pint!

From the can:

Spring is here! What better way to celebrate than with a fine Belgian inspired Saison. This handcrafted beer was created with our good friends at Lost Abbey. Being a San Diego native, we are connected, we celebrate this friendship with our collaboration. Saison has been brewed for centuries, often for the Spring and Summer months. Brewed with Pilsner, Vienna and Munich malts, Nelson Sauvin hops and locally raised lemongrass. Our Saison is a malty, spicy, refreshing, and carries a beautiful aroma of citrus and fruit esters.

From my notes:

Slightly cloudy straw yellow, short lived large bubbled, foamy head. Mostly yeast and malts on the tongue with hints of citrus, a soft sour finish.

2013-08-04 18.22.58As much as I’d like to recommend this beer; I found it only adequate. There are much better, and even cheaper, Saisons out there… This was really not worth the $15 I spent on the six pack. Look for Dupont’s or Le Merle if you are in the mood for a good Saison. And why wouldn’t you be it’s the perfect beer for a hot summer day!

Rating:

Beer of the Week 46: Le Merle

North Coast Brewing Company’s Le Merle

From the bottle:

Le Merle is an elegant ale, pale in color, inspired by the rich brewing traditions of the Flanders region. Abundant hops and a Belgian yeast strain contribute the exotic aromas of tropical fruit.

From my notes:

Clear, straw color with a thing, fine, bright, white head. Medium carbonation. Floral, tropical fruit and yeast on the nose, mild hop taste immediately on the tongue that settles into bread, pepper, and lemon. Clean, dry finish.

 Saisons were traditionally brewed by the drinker over the winter and then opened and drank through the spring and summer. When you drink a a good saison you should be able to smell fruit and yeast on the nose and have that reflected in the taste backed up with spice, tart, and some mild to medium bitterness. They are usually dry. Saisons are versatile for pairing with foods. They go well with spicy foods, and do great with BBQ, pair with bold flavorful food that matches the complexity of a Saison has more delicate food’s flavor may be overwhelmed by the beer.

Rating (out of five):


%d bloggers like this: