Samuel Adams Rustic Saison
Also on tap at VE this past week, one of the most interesting throw back Saisons I've come across. Weighing in at only 4.35% abv they're aiming more for a style of beer that was drank by the farmhands lower alcohol session beer verus 6 to 8% versions of the Saisons we see around today. This one appears very much unflitered in my glass with a clouded bright golden shade of lemon, with a white bread egg shell colored head. Fine bands of lacing left with each sip. Spiced citrus flavors with a surprising earthy/herbal hoppy back end coming through and of course some spice additions with an evident level of coriander going on. Flavor is a nice rustic bready, good food pairing style of Saison. Flavors mesh well with hitns of citrus and tropical notes amongst the malts, again herbal/citric hoppiness comes out in the background...white pepper spice and coriander notes adds to make an interesting and flavorful Sam Adams seasonal. Mouthfeel has some creamy carbonation going on with a nice welcoming texture, medium to light bodied with a very sturdy flowing CO2 level. Drink this beer, overall an excellent Sam Adams experience, easpecially with the sessionable alcohol level this could be one of the most creative beers they've put out in quite some time.