Sgt. Pepper - Cambridge Brewing Company

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

3.81/5  rDev +1.9%
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

TWStandley

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Enjoyed at CBC in a tulip...

Poured a hazy orange/gold color with a big thick billowing white head.

Smelled like typical Belgian yeast, a bit of spiciness. Cracked pepper smell became more apparent as the beer warmed to room temp.

Taste like a standard saison...at first. Some definite lemony/herbal/banana/orange/citrus upon first sip. As the sip finishes, much like the smell, the cracked pepper tastes emerge. Relatively strong tasting, slightly spicy.

Mouth-feel is light, with some serious warmth in the throat from all of the pepper.

Overall this was a tasty saison with a meal. Definitely unique, and quite delicious. Starts off refreshing, finishes spicy.

Serving type: on-tap

04-01-2012 23:56:38 | More by TWStandley

celticfutblclub

Massachusetts

4.18/5  rDev +11.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

on tap at CBC

A - a nice hazy yellow color with a good half inch creamy head

S - peppercorn, citrus, spice quite an inviting smell on this.

T - delicious peppercorn mixes well with citrus other various spices and wheat.

M - good carbonation

O - wasn't sure what to expect with this but this beer was quite tasty and definitely be having another one while its on tap.

Serving type: on-tap

04-29-2011 02:10:55 | More by celticfutblclub

rsgcwhite

Connecticut

4.43/5  rDev +18.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The beer pours light yellow with a small head. The aroma was naturally peppercorns, but also citrus notes in typical Saison fashion.

Tasting this was like biting into a heavily peppered beef jerky (fortunately, I love peppered beef jerky). Pepper dominates in a way that compliments this beer - it is, after all, a Saison, and despite the domination of the pepper flavor the quality of the beer is as unique as it is an interesting take on this style.

The spicy aftertaste lingered on a creamy mouthfeel, with very good drinkability and a dryness that is overpowered by the peppery oomph.

This is a great beer to have with anything meaty; I only wish it were bottled and widely distributed. I thought about this beer a lot; namely, I couldn't get it out of mind days after I drank my first pint. Every time I consumed pepper I was reminded this beer - in that sense, it was so unique, so surprising, that drinking this was one of my fondest beer memories.

And no, this is not a beer for everyone, but this deserves accolades to be such a damn interesting interpretation of the Saisons. Pepper Chili Lime Jerky Saisons, anyone?

Serving type: on-tap

11-09-2010 19:36:01 | More by rsgcwhite

HopHead84

California

3.88/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Consumed on tap at Pizza Port Carlsbad on 11/1/2009 in a 10oz glass. The beer is transparent gold with no head (ugly bar pour).

This isn't too surprising, but the nose has a lot of peppercorn. I detect white pepper, lemon, and orange. It's phenolic with grassy notes. It's a nice balance of spicy peppercorn and fruity esters.

The taste is very spicy, with peppercorn and white pepper. The white pepper attacks from the back of my tongue and up into my nasal cavity. Citrus flavors are of lemon and subtle orange. The finish is very spicy with grassy notes and lingering citrus. An interesting take on the style.

Serving type: on-tap

11-03-2009 05:17:16 | More by HopHead84

JTWILDOATS

Massachusetts

4.05/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

The bartender enticed me to give this a try, and I'm so glad I did.

Turned out to be a great saison brew--away from the typical citruc/corriander theme of your average saison...this beer focused on PEPPER!!

As described and tasted later on, different peppers could be detected throughout. Cracked black pepper was present in smell and taste--the type of pepper we would crush on a steak to make a nice rub/marinade. After the initial taste, you could also make out a sort of crushed red pepper feel. None of this was too overpowering--as this brew still maintained the traditional Belgian base that we all crave.

The after effect was incredible. A slow and lingering and growing burn ensued--not a burn of alcohol, but rather of pepper and spice. Enjoyed with a basket of fries or alone, a must try.

Serving type: on-tap

09-05-2009 05:11:27 | More by JTWILDOATS

tai4ji2x

Massachusetts

3.2/5  rDev -14.4%
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

u2carew

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A) Very transparent. Bronze in color. Poured with a thin head. Nice lacing along the edge of the glass and all the way around.
S) Robust pepper aroma mixed with an earthy musk - similar to patchouli.
T) Peppery (go figure) and earthy. Spicy pepper "hotness" in the aftertaste. For He-man action figure fans - tastes similar to how the Skunkor action figure smelled.
M) Creamy. Smooth. Medium body. Slightly dry.
D) Very good. I think the peppercorns would get redundant after a while.

Serving type: on-tap

05-11-2009 22:13:44 | More by u2carew

Thorpe429

Illinois

3.15/5  rDev -15.8%
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

GratefulBeerGuy

New Hampshire

3.85/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

you gotta love the Dr.Frankenstein aspect to CBC's brewing!! don't stop experimenting guys!!!

This one pure amber with golden hues and a thin, lacy white head that is pretty sticky.

The aroma is mostly, well Peppercorns! and a shit load of them! spicey and zesty yeastieness with very subtle fruits.

This is a light and crispy brew with a zippy, peppercorn flavor, it's pretty intense but not annoying. Peppery yeast and peppercorns dominate, but it's not at all tough to finish even though the heat seems a bit high along the peppery effect.

Serving type: on-tap

04-18-2009 16:10:53 | More by GratefulBeerGuy

IBUnit63

Massachusetts

4.25/5  rDev +13.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at the CBC yesterday during the Sox' Opening Day rainout. Now that's as good a Plan B as you can hope for. Serve it up, Meat...in a tulip.

Pours a straw-golden honey color...quite a nice dry white head up top...about a finger. Mild chill haze with a fair amount of carbonation. Retention is solid and lacing is decent.

DAMN! We read that there are several varieties of peppercorns in this batch. Well, they're all firing on the same high-functioning cylinders. This is so nice and dry that the peppercorns...even the pink ones, come off as so fresh and spicy it isn't funny. Dry-hopped peppercorns? Dry rub? Only beef is that I don't get much more nose than the PCs...maybe faint wheat and light malt with a touch of yeast electricity and some Styrian Goldings straw-pine, but it's not called Sgt. Hop...

This stays true to form from the nose throughout. Fresh, raw peppercorns are the spicy star here. Core ingredients provide unobtrusive supporting cast, remaining quite clean.

Carbonations works in tandem with peppercorns to provide even spicier touch to the palate. No trace of booze or sweetness...the yeast strain cleaned it all up. Finish is crisp to say the least.

I enjoy this change-up for my favorite style. It's one filthy screwball in baseball terms yet it's not for everyone. The utterly crisp, dry and lively character of this upstart burns just a tad from the pepperiness but it's an enjoyable pain. I forget what CBC said about timing of peppercorn additions (20 and 5 with dry "hop" maybe), but they hit it perfectly. Maybe a touch out of style without the yeast electricity but this is exceptionally well-crafted and brutally enjoyable.

Serving type: on-tap

04-07-2009 09:38:16 | More by IBUnit63

hsway

Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev +2.9%
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

EPICAC

Massachusetts

3.58/5  rDev -4.3%
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

Brew33

Ohio

3.04/5  rDev -18.7%
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

kojevergas

California

3.79/5  rDev +1.3%
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

Immortale25

Florida

4.25/5  rDev +13.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Poured into a snifter. Bottleneck says Bottled On 1/31/13.

A- Pours a medium amber color with a 1/2 inch white head that doesn't retain very long before becoming a thick ring around the edge of the glass and random light wisps of surface foam. Lacing is non-resilient.

S- Whoa, you can really smell those peppercorns. Very peppery with some other spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Very lovely if you're a fan of these.

T- The spices hold up just as well in the flavor as I was hoping. Very unique blend of pepper, clove and nutmeg that actually creates an almost soil-like taste. A considerable capsaicin burn comes from the peppercorns. I don't get much saison characteristic out of the beer. Once again, very earthy.

M- Very sharp and tingly from the spices with medium-low carbonation and a medium body.

O- More like just a straight up herbed/spiced beer than a saison since the yeast and carbonation aren't where it should be for that style. Still, this is very tasty for people who are fans of pepper and heat. It's almost a bit too much for me since I'm a bit sensitive to capsaicin but I respect it very much for what it is.

Serving type: bottle

05-04-2013 21:55:14 | More by Immortale25

DefenCorps

Oregon

3.94/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

Bottled 13th Jan 2013, I paid $9 or so for this. I initially balked, but my time at CBC several years back was great, and so, I had to get this.

A clear honey gold with a dense, white head with decent retention and lacing, this looks solid. The nose shows why this is named so. Peppercorns - black, green and Sichuan (especially the Sichuan) lend a bright spicy and piquant note to the nose. Now, the CBC website tells me they only used white, black, green and pink peppercorns, but the combination of the green and pink pepper with the rye really brings to mind the aromatics in mapo doufu. Honey and rye are present, along with a moderate yeast character that's not particularly saison-like, but will do. It's closer to a fruity/ estery yeast profile rather than a more traditional spicy/rustic yeast character. Quite excellent.

The palate opens with a blend of mild sweetness (honey, cantaloupe), a moderate pepper flavor and a mild heat. The peppercorn flavor is quite excellently expressed here, and pairs well with the honey sweetness that's initially present. The rye is noticeable on the mid-palate. As the beer lingers on the palate, the heat grows and lingers on into the finish, with a fruity pink peppercorn heat. The flavors in this beer are great, but the only disappointment is the palate - it's just too damn watery. Drying, spritzy and peppery on the finish, this has quite a bit of fruity and estery yeast flavors here. Very nice stuff here.

Serving type: bottle

04-28-2013 04:13:01 | More by DefenCorps

Either_Aether

Pennsylvania

3.56/5  rDev -4.8%
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

Chico1985

Massachusetts

3.48/5  rDev -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

Brad007

Vermont

4.81/5  rDev +28.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5

Love the artwork!

Pours a beautiful golden blonde with about a 85/15 ratio. Thin head in my glass. The thought of peppercorn in a beer is enticing.

Spicy yeast meets peppercorn. Very intense aroma that draws the nose in.

It tingles the taste buds with a spicy kick enhanced by the use of peppercorn. It's literally like pouring ground black pepper into a beer. I do not mean that as a slight because it's unique.

Lingering citrus, spice and peppercorn notes. Can't forget the citrus. Oddly thirst-quenching too, which is a traditional hallmark of the style.

Highly recommended if you want something that will literally tingle the taste buds.

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2013 19:21:01 | More by Brad007

DrinkSlurm

Connecticut

3.96/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Poured from bottle into tulip. Pours a golden color with slight rim of white lacing. Looks nice but not outstanding. Smell is great...lots and lots of peppercorn mixed with saison yeast. Awesome caramel malt mixed with saison yeast and hops...and lots of pepperco. It works so well...really nice. Its a bit spicy but good. Overall its not the best saison but its exactly what it says it is...and it works so well. Nice unique brew.

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2013 22:54:53 | More by DrinkSlurm

BEERchitect

Kentucky

3.46/5  rDev -7.5%
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

stakem

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bomber into a snifter, the brew appears a clear color of golden yellow with a big white frothy head. The sudsy white topping fades leaving fingers of patchy lace sticking to the glass. A light swirl revives.

The aroma is solid with the advertised pepper. Freshly crushed array of peppercorns but not harsh like the normal black. Taking a guess that white, pink or green were used in a more mellow to almost fruity zesty sense. A touch of saison yeast fruity quality with a bit of earthen aspect is also felt through the nose.

The taste includes a solid array of pepper and fruit. Lots of peppery quality comes off subtle from perhaps the yeast and then gets augmented by the addition of what seems like freshly cracked peppercorns. It is yeasty and spicy with a warming feel. A bit floral and a hint of green bell pepper. The warming sensation across the back of the tongue is reminescent of black pepper.

This is a medium bodied brew with an effervescent level of carbonation. Quite a pleasant warming spice of alcohol accented by pepper. This at times flirts with te heat of crushed red pepper, but not that extreme. If you have never experienced peppery flavor in a saison before, this is the one to really drive that character home. However, it might be off-putting to some. I liked it.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2012 15:40:39 | More by stakem

ryan1788a5

Massachusetts

4.23/5  rDev +13.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

22oz bottle poured into a Duvel tulip.

A: Pours a brassy golden-orange color with a mild haze. The rocky white head stands at a solid three fingers and doesn't budge. Thick collars of lacing remain on the glass.

S: Incredible nose: doughy malt with a touch of chopped almonds, chalky yeast, bit of clove-like phenol, some tropical fruits (pineapple), floral/spicy hops, soft spices, potpourri, and black peppercorns.

T: Doughy malt tastes open. The Belgian yeast is chalky, vaguely spicy, and a touch fruity. Hops come through with mildly citrusy and spicy tastes of their own. Peppercorns and crushed black pepper show up on the mid-palate and build in intensity. The peppery, prickling heat reaches impressive levels. Finishes with a big peppery burn, mild floral hop tastes, and a receding chalky and fruity yeast taste.

M: Light in body. Full and fluffy in the mouth. Creamy and smooth. Great mouthfeel.

O: CBC has outdone themselves this time. This is not a gimmick. The base beer would be an excellent saison in its own right. While the pepper is the main focus of the beer, it plays off of the saison beneath quite nicely. I hope they turn this into a year-round release. It's one hell of a food beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2012 22:32:14 | More by ryan1788a5

rebelthrower

Massachusetts

3.95/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Batch 1, bottled in February 2012.

A - Orange/golden yellow color a little bit of a haze. Big white head. Took a long time to go down. Very little to no lacing.

S - A bit of the peppercorn. And a bit herbaly and Belgian yeast.

T - A little citrus. Peppercorn comes through at the end.

M - Smooth, medium to light carbonation. Tingling in the throat from the peppercorn.

D - I really like the peppery. To me it was very drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

08-26-2012 08:01:36 | More by rebelthrower