Saison De Aviator Royale
Picked up a fresh growler today at Sam's Blue Light in Durham and poured into my Ommegang goblet. Full disclosure: the label identifies this Saison as only packing 6.5% heat. Murky golden in hue, with a thin cap but attractive lace. Nose is malty with touches of honey and dark fruit. All nicely ringed with booze, I might add. Complexity is key to this one. Thick malt backbone with that familiar Belgian yeast and a wild card full of spices. Hops are what stick, though, with strong and persistent old world hops again laced with alcohol. Mouthfeel is delicate and tapered and fits the flavor well, but could maybe drop a smidge of carbonation. Definitely different and worthwhile. I wouldn't say sessionable but I also wouldn't say I'll have any problem knocking back this growler by the end of the weekend.