Saison De Lente
Viggo brought this along to our epic Bruery tasting (thanks man!), and I drank it side-by-side with the Saison Rue to see how the two interpretations of the same style differed, and whether there were any common threads. Saison de Lente is definitely lighter than the Rue, pouring a rich honey colour with a large off-white head that leaves streaks of lace down the side of the glass, and exhibits great retention. There's some good dry funk in the nose, providing notes of leather, hay, horseblanket, dry cider and lemon. Its also surprisingly herbal, with a strong sage presence. In the flavour profile, the biggest difference certainly lies with the increased dryness of the Lente, and although some sweetness is still present, its not nearly as high as in the Rue. Musty barnyard notes lead off and linger at the top of the palate, sage and damp wood pop up in the middle, and a zest (almost peppery) spiciness crops up in the finish. The combination of the dryness and spiciness works really well here, and the beer manages to be both crisp and flavourful. medium body and spritzy, but pillowy, carbonation. Brett really dominates the show, but there's still enough going on to keep it together. Probably not a beer I'd keep too long though, or this is going to be hollowed out. Side-by-side, there's not much between this and the Rue, I'd say they're on a par with each other.