Stillwater Chardonnay Barrel-Aged Stateside Saison
I purchased this bottle a couple months ago down at the Greenville Beer Xchange in SC. I was told that I had to buy it. Luckily for them I have to buy anything chardonnay barrel aged. This beer pours a very light gold in color, lighter in body, with a slight white lacing around my snifter. It seems highly carbonated. While it is still fizzing I get some light California chardonnay butter and oak but this calms as the beer appears less active. It then opens up to showcase slight tartness, spices, tea, and it has a nice floral component. However, the flavors aren't as impressive as the nose. It is very light and spicy. It's tart but only a little bit. I wanted some defined sourness. The carbonation is through the roof and it's difficult to pickup the nuances of flavors because the carbonation assaults your palate only to die just as quickly. It has a slight tartness and a light and subtle fruity sweetness. It also has floral and tea leaf aspects as well. It's solid but finishes kind of bitter and leaves an odd aftertaste. As I've stated this beer is too carbonated for its own good. I'd describe it as "aggressively" carbonated. It just takes away from what the beer could offer. It also makes it less drinkable. Overall I'd say that this beer sounds better on paper than the actual contents of the bottle.