Sgt. Pepper - Cambridge Brewing Company

Bendurgin

Maine

2.5/5  rDev -33%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 1.5

Poured into a pint glass. This one pours a clear golden color with a thick fluffy white head.

The aroma is full of spicy pepper. Hints of saison characteristics in the background, but the pepper dominates. The pallet is mostly spicy pepper. Again hints of yeast and some other saison characters but the pepper really takes the forefront.

The body is light with a bit to much carbonation. Overall this one is simply not very good. The pepper detracts to much from this resembling a saison.

Serving type: bottle

08-12-2012 20:33:07 | More by Bendurgin

MasterSki

Illinois

2.85/5  rDev -23.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Thanks to Reagan1984 for this oddity. Batch 1 from February 2012. Served in a tulip.

A - Quick-dissolving white foam settles to a thin ring, wisps, and minimal lace. Hazy peach flesh body.

S - Tons of peppercorns, spicy esters, herbal and zesty hops(?), and some peach and other stone fruits from the malts.

T - Taste is overwhelmed with white pepper flavor, as well as some vegetal notes, and spicy black pepper and chile heat? Maybe a touch of saison in the periphery.

M - Smooth body, with zesty carbonation, and a very dry finish. No obvious alcohol, which is a plus.

D - Too peppery, even for my tastes. Not the easiest beer to drink. Kind of interesting to try, but Jason and I barely finished our pours.

Serving type: bottle

06-22-2012 17:57:41 | More by MasterSki

Jwale73

Rhode Island

2.93/5  rDev -21.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

22oz. bottle procured at Julios. Pours a semi-hazy, dull orange hue with a loose, bright white head that dissipates into a tight band around the shoulders. Nose expresses peppercorn and citrus rind - I can almost smell the heat off the pepper. The taste just has an enormous pepper presence that is borderline unpalatable. I see nothing in the flavor profile that is akin to any saison I've ever had. Consistency on the mouthfeel is somewhat watery and there is definitely a bit of residual pepper burn that lingers between quaffs. In terms of overall impressions, all I can say is it's interesting. The pepper is way too intense for me and it is a borderline palate wrecker. Worth experiencing, but definitely best shared amongst many. Not something I need to revisit again.

Serving type: bottle

03-18-2012 14:29:51 | More by Jwale73

Brew33

Ohio

3.04/5  rDev -18.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Shared this over brunch on Mother's Day.

Pours a very nice, bright gold with a small crop of bubbles. The smell is all belgian yeast with the slightest bit of spiciness which I can't attribute to the yeast or peppercorns for sure. Smells sweeter than anticipated.

Upon first taste it tastes like a very standard or maybe even below average American interpretation of a Saison. Slight;y sweet with some bubblegum flavors. Dry finish. Then, right after you swallow, boom. A really slow pepper burn. Not an assault on your palate but a light, lingering, fresh peppercorn flavor. I have no clue which types of peppercorns were used but I can damn well guarantee that a good portion of those were Pink (or Szechuan) peppercorns. The tingling, numbing effect of pink peppercorns stick with you for some time.

The mouthfeel was fine. I usually like a crisp mouthfeel in Saisons and this was a touch creamy for my liking.

Overall, a neat experiment. Not something I would revisit but my Dad and my brother seemed to like it. I'd like to try another beer like this with better execution of the base beer.

Serving type: bottle

05-13-2013 18:44:44 | More by Brew33

Thorpe429

Illinois

3.15/5  rDev -15.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

On tap at the brewpub back in March 2009.

A: Slightly reddish with a decent head and lacing that sticks fairly well.

S: The aroma of all the types of pepper is quite appetizing.

T: While the pepper was good in the smell, there's just a little too much going on here--it's simply overpowering. Aside from the pepper, I can pick out some sweetness and a little bit of the Belgian yeast character.

M: Fairly light body, but again overtaken by the pepper.

D: Okay. I really like this brew in theory, but the execution was just a little bit off.

Serving type: on-tap

04-24-2009 05:51:53 | More by Thorpe429

tai4ji2x

Massachusetts

3.2/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

from day two of the CBC 20th anniversary party on may 9, 2009

this was the second course of the anniversary prix fixe pairing dinner. paired with a braised rabbit dish.

similar appearance to the cask version i had at nerax, maybe more head, although retention isn't great. some lacing, but less than hoped.

aroma and flavor are just underwhelming now. this is in comparison to the newly released batch in late april, in both cask and tap versions. don't know if this is the same batch, but if so, the peppercorns have faded substantially with age. underneath, it's just a very plain, barely-better-than-average saison. what made this creation unique before is now gone. it's okay with the food, although even the mild spicing in the dish was starting to overtake the beer.

feel is a bit thinner too, but maybe i'm just too disappointed?

Serving type: on-tap

07-11-2009 12:28:39 | More by tai4ji2x

mlazzaro

Massachusetts

3.43/5  rDev -8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

22 oz bottle. Batch #1

Hazy orange color. White head at first, but diminished to nothing awfully quick. Mild carbonation. Light sediment at the bottom of the bottle.

I find the aroma a bit subtle, maybe because of the carbonation level. But what is there is very nice. Spicey farmhouse yeast, blended with a pepper spice.

I like the pepper+Saison combo, but the pepper is quite overpowering in the beer. Hops and grains are sort of lost in the pepper. Some citrus notes happening but... not a pleasant flavor for me.

Mouthfeel is kind of thicker than I'm used to on a Saison. Pepper is noticeable in the mouthfeel, and almost lends a heat from the spices which I like.

Not in love with this beer. I did like it more and more as my palate adjusted. But somewhat abrasive flavors.

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2012 22:11:57 | More by mlazzaro

harrymel

Washington

3.43/5  rDev -8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

First bottling, Feb, 2012

Pours a hazy gold on amber with a broken sheet of light cream foam. Smells of peppercorn right out the gate, nice sweet malts with biscuit and grain tones. Esters from the belgian yeast add nice accents along the nose. Flavor has some initially sweet, wheaty character, then the peppercorns come through in an almost spicy nuance. The yeast comes through with a bit of a coriander and seeds of paradise tone. Nice dry belgian yeast comes through. Medium on heavy bodied with a lighter carb and wet finish. Nice beer overall, don't know that I'd buy twice, maybe once the weather warms a bit.

Serving type: bottle

05-03-2012 12:01:40 | More by harrymel

smcolw

Massachusetts

3.45/5  rDev -7.5%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Not much head and what's there settles to rom bubbles. No lace. The liquid is straw-gold color with a haze.

Sour and earthy aroma. Light black pepper in the program.

The black pepper is the predominant flavor here. It makes for an interesting blend with the traditional farm house sourness and earthy flavors. Solid body with an above average carbonation level.

Serving type: bottle

03-17-2012 22:38:26 | More by smcolw

BEERchitect

Kentucky

3.46/5  rDev -7.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

"Holy peppercorn, Batman!"

Cambridge's not-so-subtle, pepper infused, Belgian-style Saison kicks off with an exuberent golden pour. Lightly hazed, the bubbly elixir thrusts its carbonation into a fluffy, short statured head that cowers to the pepper additions and falls apart relatively soon after the pour, leaving no meaningful lace behind.

But the aromas are alive with the tingle of freshly cracked black peppercorns. As the spice tantelizes the olfactory senses, other background notes lurk in the pepper's shadows: green apple, pear, and berries give a fruity tone that make the low-lying malt a bit more apparent.

And its the taste of pepper that dominates the flavor profile. Early grain sweetness is lightly bready and dryly starched. But then the spicy pepper taste greets the front of the tongue with husky, rye-like character except it continues to intensify to near capsasin-like taste. Although soft under-ripened orchard fruit and yeast spices keep the beer wine-like, the sharpness of peppercorn makes the more finesse elements in balance go largely unnoticed.

The dry malt taste translates well to texture, but allows for the abruptness of peppercorn to spike the tongue with intense heat and prickling sensations. Finishing hot from the spice additions, the beer dries early on the palate and stays that way through the aftertaste.

In general, the Saison base beer is solid but not absolutely authentic. But the peppercorn additions through the balance way off for me. I'm sure that those who prefer hotter cuisine than I will appreciate the beer much better. I'm glad I split the large bottle with a friend as the whole contents would surely incite heartburn.

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2013 17:11:03 | More by BEERchitect

andrewinski1

Maine

3.48/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a tulip. The color is golden with orange hues. There is a small off-white layer. Lacing is non-existant.

The aroma is full of black pepper; not much else.

The flavor starts out with mild malt flavor. This is light in flavor. There is a mild typical saison yeast flavor following, which indicates some spice, but this is quickly overrun by hot, spicy black pepper.

This is light in body, with nice crisp carbonation. This is a bit one-dimensional, but it's tasty and fun to try. I always enjoy having pepper beers.

Serving type: bottle

06-08-2012 03:39:01 | More by andrewinski1

Chico1985

Massachusetts

3.48/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.25

I've had this a few times now, hard to forget this one. Thanks to Kevin for splitting this one.

Poured to my Unibroue tulip hazy orange with some flecks. A small white head forms to a thick ring with a few spots as the cap, bits of lace left.

Good amount of peppery spice in the scent, some lemony and farmy yeast and bread. A bit on the simple side.

Huge pepper spice in the taste, like chewing on peppercorns, lingering long after swallow. Some yeast/bread, light fruit (apple, orange), herbal-ness, but the saison part is nearly smothered with spice.

Good body, with a nice foaminess to it. Big spice builds up with every sip.

I do enjoy it, but the pepper is way too strong in my opinion - I'm good with this after a few ounces. I appreciate the spice but wish it was integrated better.

Serving type: bottle

04-05-2013 00:17:07 | More by Chico1985

maximum12

Minnesota

3.55/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Thanks to ferillo for this amongst other lovely rye beers...this is the last survivor. Pop! Now it's not. I'll wager this is one of the odder descriptions I've seen on a label. Peppercorns, rye, saison, Belgian yeast...time to dive in. 22 oz. bomber split in two. Batch 1 bottled February 2012, props & points to Cambridge for the clear dating.

Pour is a not cloudy but not clear orange. Nose is like sniffing raw black pepper off a mirror in an '80's movie - yowza. Anybody who can smell something else is either a better man, a liar, or a canine.

Sgt. Pepper could never be sued in a court of law for false advertising. Pepper! But unlike the nose, other components do raise their hands. First is a light yeasty shot of Belgium, then a fleeting glimpse of lemony saison & wheat, before the pepper comes on & the screen goes blank. Pepper! Then pepper. More pepper. Whatever nice subtleties arrive in the first swig are gone quickly as pepper conquers the world & enslaves all. Mild heat builds after repeated sips. This should be a chore to drink, but it's not. Huh.

I wouldn't want to drink this every day, & there's no hint of rye underneath the glacier of pepper, but this ain't bad. If you're looking for pepper, seek no further. Good beer.

Serving type: bottle

07-08-2012 01:59:15 | More by maximum12

Either_Aether

Pennsylvania

3.56/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

Appearance - Golden orange and a bit cloudy

Smell - Instantly notice a strong peppery haze

Taste - The saison characteristics find themselves on the backburner, while the peppercorn flavors emerge to the forefront. I would have liked these two to have been switched. One can notice a subtle hint of lemon on the tip of the tongue.

Moutfeel - Not too full, not too thin. The beer lost it's fullness with time, however.

Overall - The beer deserves some kudos for thinking outside the box, but I feel the saison style was not represented to the extent I would have liked.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2013 02:38:43 | More by Either_Aether

EPICAC

Massachusetts

3.58/5  rDev -4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Pours a cloudy, golden amber. Topped by a white head that thins to film and leaves a bit of lace. The white pepper is the strongest component of the aroma, but there are also notes of caramel and a hint of Belgian yeast fruitiness.

Sweet malts upfront with a bit of caramel and banana fruitiness in the center. The finish is very peppery with a good amount of accompanying heat. Good but a bit peppery for my taste. Medium-bodied, vigorous carbonation and a lingering, warming spice.

An interesting, flavorful beer, but the spiciness is a bit much.

Serving type: on-tap

03-26-2009 21:25:31 | More by EPICAC

womencantsail

California

3.68/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Golden/orange in color with a white head. The pepper aroma on this is huge. That’s pretty much all I smell, actually. A bit of sweetness from the bready and toffee malt. The flavor is nice. It’s a bit sweet and very peppery. And that’s pretty much it. While enjoyable, a small pour is really all that I could handle.

Serving type: bottle

07-18-2012 21:30:07 | More by womencantsail

Kinsman

New Hampshire

3.7/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Slight hazy bright orange color. Bit of white head but nothing out of the ordinary. Fruity aroma up front. Citrusy notes mix in with just a bit of yeast aroma. Spice notes become more apparent on the palate than the aroma. Just a hint of juicy sweetness before a lingering peppercorn kick comes through. Dry medium body mouthfeel. Overall, a pretty unique tasting saison but not as much yeast character as I'd like.

Serving type: bottle

05-24-2012 01:17:41 | More by Kinsman

BeerMaverick

Massachusetts

3.75/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottled Feb. 2012. Poured from a bomber into a wine glass. Paired with chicken caesar salad.

A - Copper/bronze color with no sediment, which is surprising for a farmhouse ale. About a quarter-inch of head that fades fast leaving little/no lace on the wine glass. Most saisons tend to have a frothy head.

S - The Belgian yeast is prevalent as is the peppercorn, which is promised in the name and description on the bottle. Floral notes are there along with some faint rye malt aromas.

T - The Belgian yeast is still there, but it is almost overwhelmed by the peppercorn, which I suppose should be expected with a name like Sgt. Pepper. The floral character is very faint here and there is no hop presence (any bitterness is completely hidden by the spicy pepper taste). This pairs extremely well with the peppery caesar dressing.

M - All spiciness in the aftertaste for this relatively light-bodied beer. Not too carbonated for a saison.

O - A very drinkable and distinct saison that I would definitely buy again (especially for the price). As I mentioned before, it pairs well with caesar salad and I can imagine that it would go together with any other light summer meal. The peppercorn compliments the Belgian yeast and spices as well.

Serving type: bottle

05-03-2012 23:37:19 | More by BeerMaverick

Hopdaemon39

Massachusetts

3.78/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 22 oz bottle into a tulip- pours a hazy orange/auburn color with very little head, no retention, and no lacing.

Smell is surprisingly contained- no big whiffs of pepper, just a little pale malt (maybe a touch of rye) and some belgian yeast.

Taste is very interesting- starts out as an uninteresting saison, almost like a lager in how light the taste is. Pale malt, belgian yeast, blah blah. However, the AFTERTASTE is all pepper. It stays with you for a LONG time.

Mouthfeel is standard- light body, moderate carbonation. Interesting brew- give it a try. I won't get it again but I'm glad I did this time.

Update: Paired with lamb vindaloo (trader joes) and noticed a lemony taste that I hadn't before. Doesn't quite stand up to spicier food however..

Serving type: bottle

03-02-2012 01:46:26 | More by Hopdaemon39

kojevergas

California

3.79/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 2.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Acquired at a local SoCal beer store. This is only the second beer I've had from Cambridge Brewing. Expectations are high; I' love a good farmhouse ale and I'm really in the mood for one. Curiously, it has a World Beer Cup award for the Herb and Spice Beer category. 6% ABV confirmed. 1 pint 6 fl oz brown glass bottle with appealing label and unbranded standard pressure cap served into a Mitchells of Lancaster flared stem-tulip in me gaff in low altitude Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California. Reviewed live. I don't see any obvious best before or bottled on dates.

Served cold and allowed to warm over the course of consumption. Side-poured with standard vigor as no carbonation issues are anticipated.

A: Pours a one finger white colour head - disappointingly thin - of no cream whatsoever and mere average retention. The ABV isn't even that high; I'm pretty disappointed with the head. Lacing is light and even. Body colour is a fairly vibrant clear bronze. Translucent. No yeast particles are visible. No bubble show. Looking substandard for a farmhouse ale. It's not much to look at. Appears filtered.

Sm: Definite peppercorn presence. Pale malts. Fragrant floral hops. I do pick up on the rye malt, but I wouldn't have noticed it if I hadn't been searching for it after reading the label. Spicy robust yeasty character with notes of biscuit and clove. It's not that spicy in comparison to other farmhouse ales, but it's got a definite spice presence. The pepper is quite evocative; that's remarkable. I'm looking forward to trying it, but I do want more depth and complexity from the aroma. Nicely subtle and above average in strength. No alcohol is noticeable.

T: Remarkable peppery character throughout - both black and white pepper is noticeable. The rye really complements the spicy character on the climax going into the third act; that's a lovely pairing of flavours. The floral hop character lends a pleasant background flavour letting the spices and yeasty complexity take centre stage - exactly as it should. Malty foundation is well-executed rye alongside light biscuity grains and I suspect some pale malts. Spice, light biscuit, and clove from the yeast. Peppery spice is definitely dominant here; I love that. Make no mistake - it's spicy in the sense that lots of spice notes come through, but there's also a bit of spicy heat here. Fortunately, no alcohol heat is noticeable. Impeccable balance, even if it is a bit simple for the style. These cats really knew what they were doing when they brewed this gem. If you're after a peppery-as-hell farmhouse ale, this is the beer for you. Subtly executed. I'm really enjoying it.

Mf: Smooth and wet. Understated. Near ideal carbonation; it's just a touch too high - but that'll help it cellar if you're so inclined. Good thickness and body. Complements the flavour profile well - mostly by keeping its head down, supporting the flavours, and not making itself noticeable. It even approaches refreshing - a nice counterpoint to the spicy pepper of the flavours. This texture was developed with intentionality, and the marriage to the flavour profile is rewarding. Well-executed. Not creamy or buttery or milky. Excellent presence on the palate. Just soft enough.

Dr: A surprisingly good farmhouse ale from Cambridge Brewing. I'd definitely pick this one up again; I'm glad I stumbled across it. I'm now very interested in trying their other beers. Surpassed my meagre expectations. Very drinkable, but the spice may creep up on you. The low ABV for the style makes this a go-to when you're trying to stay coherent. They aimed to brew an extremely peppery farmhouse ale, and damnit, they succeeded. The execution is great for the concept. Well done, Cambridge. I'd recommend this to friends.

Low B+

Serving type: bottle

05-11-2013 21:13:52 | More by kojevergas

jneiswender

Massachusetts

3.8/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 2 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a liter bottle into a tulip glass. Served cool.

Pours a copper body and a white head that is thick at first but then quickly goes down.

Smell is faint belgian smelling yeast and very pronounced black pepper flavor.

Hops are there and so is grain but the main flavor is the peppercorns. You know what you are drinking here.

Light and okay carbonation.

I really like this beer. If you say pepper on the label, I want to taste pepper. That happens here. However, farmhouse ales and saisons are beautiful beers to look at . The body is very nice on this but the head sucks. Please cork these beers.

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2012 23:03:20 | More by jneiswender

deltatauhobbit

Maine

3.8/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Batch 01
Bottled February 2012

Pours a golden color with a light orange tint, smallish head that fizzles fast away, not much lacing on the glass, no cap.

Smell is quite interesting and appropriate for the name, I actually get a quick whiff of pepper at the beginning that almost makes me feel like I should sneeze.

Holy crap this beer is spicy, like spicy peppery hot, leaves a lingering burning feeling, the malt tries its best to cool down and balance things but the peppercorn overwhelms everything.

This would be a perfect beer for hot wings!

Serving type: bottle

06-02-2012 21:05:06 | More by deltatauhobbit

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

3.81/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

First had: on tap at CBC

Hazy golden-amber pour with a wispy white head that stuck as a ringlet and left a few dots of lacing on the glass. Aroma of toasted grains, peppery spice, with hints of earthy yeast. They weren't kidding with the peppercorn aspect of this beer, as it was front and center in the taste, earthy yeast, pale malts, and a mild fruity sensation. Body was light-medium, moderate carbonation, making for an interesting and quaffable brew overall.

Serving type: on-tap

02-27-2013 03:27:02 | More by Rifugium

brewandbbq

New Hampshire

3.83/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

22oz bottle from batch 1.

Hazy copper with a short-lived head of white. A mostly placid surface with a thread of foam around the edges.

Apples, honey, fruit loops, cloves and a hint of mango in the nose.

Light bodied with a crispish mouthfeel.

Honey-drizzeled biscuity malt with pepper burn on the palate. Earthy spice and pepper heat follow through.

Finishes with a lingering pepper burn and a trace of crackery malt.

The bottled version is way more peppery and hot than I remember the draught version being. The bottled version is also suffering from low carbonation for the style.

Serving type: bottle

03-20-2012 00:24:42 | More by brewandbbq

hsway

Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured on tap in to a 12 oz. or so tulip glass.

A: Nice reddish color with a lingering off-white head and some lacing. Quite pretty, actually, but I'm a sucker for tulip glasses.

S/T: Very, very peppery. I couldn't quite identify the taste at first, but I knew it was spicy. Then I read the name and description and put two and two together. I really liked this aspect of the beer - quite unusual. Nice Belgian yeasty backbone.

D: One was enough, thanks.

Serving type: on-tap

03-28-2009 21:49:57 | More by hsway