Cucumber Saison - Cigar City Brewing

Hex92

Virginia

3.5/5  rDev -8.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Well... that certainly is a different beer.
A-nice big fluffy head that takes a while to disapate. Murky yellowish color for the beer.
S- CUCUMBER.
T- clean taste. You can definitely taste the cucumber. And its bitter too, but not a hop bitter, its the bitterness of cucumber peel. And you can taste dill too.
M-not at all syrupy. Very clean. High carbonation.
O- an odd beer. Worth trying if you want something different, but I won't be buying any more.

Serving type: bottle

08-06-2012 00:55:20 | More by Hex92

homebrew311

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev +13.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a slightly cloudy pale yellow. Nose is loaded with cucumber and pickle, wow! The essence of cucumber is amazing, very prominent and works well with mild Saison base. Taste is cucumber forward (feels weird saying this about a beer) and very refreshing. Spicy dill comes through next and a bit of bready yeast at the finish. Mouthfeel is light and highly carbonated. Overall. This is a very cool brew... As cool as a... Nevermind.

Serving type: bottle

08-04-2012 06:33:38 | More by homebrew311

mwilbur

Minnesota

3.15/5  rDev -17.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Poured from 750 mL bottle into cervoise.
A: Pours a hazy yellow with a faint hint of green. Nice 2 inch bubbly white head.
S: Mild sweet citrus, subdued farmhouse funk, and crisp cucumber.
T: Wow, this is different. Lots of crisp watery cucumber up front...hits a bit hard. Hints of peppery spice and melon. Faint citrus and funk in the distant background.
M: Crisp, bright, and a tad watery. I suppose it's what you'd imagine a cucumber beer to be.
D: For a saison, this is quite different. This is more vegetable beer than saison. If you want a low ABV, watery cucumber beer you've found it.

Serving type: bottle

08-02-2012 04:42:30 | More by mwilbur

facundoCNB

New Jersey

4.8/5  rDev +25.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

a hazy orange - yellow pour with lots of soapy looking white head.
smells of fresh herbs, that pickle quirky smell comes through nicely, grassy hops, citrus notes.
oh my god - the pickle is so subtle at first but then it's all you taste! a nice hoppy bitterness.. lemon zest.. this tastes like a summer salad. seriously sooo tasty!
light body, high in carbonation, slight creaminess on lips. highly refreshing.

overall? best fucking summer beer ever. deliciously refreshing. really want to have more of this stuff on hand, it is too damn good. hopefully they make this a yearly seasonal and not just a one off.

Serving type: bottle

08-01-2012 21:44:22 | More by facundoCNB

BeerLover99

New Jersey

3.58/5  rDev -6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: cloudy tan/dirty yellow, finger bubbly/white head,
ok lacing

S: yeast, grain, light cucumber, grassy, mild floral

T: lemon zest, grain/belgian yeast,
cucumber/grassy semi-dry finish

M: med body, bubbly, semi-dry mouth

O: Interesting beer to create, love the brewery,
but don't know if I would seek it out again.
Another fine brew from Rare Beer of the Month Club,
really enjoying this Father's Day gift from my wife.

GOOD, NOT MUST HAVE!

Serving type: bottle

07-27-2012 16:21:51 | More by BeerLover99

claspada

New Jersey

4.05/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a mostly clear pale golden yellow color with a small frothy white head that quickly settles into a lasting ring leaving some spotty lacing.

Aromas begin with freshly sliced cucumber and a lot of it. Once it warms a little and you get past the green cucumber flesh there is a light sweet pilsner maltiness and a light farmhouse saison yeast underneath.

The tastes begin no surpirsingly with a lot of cucumber and light pepperiness from the Saison yeast. As it warms you get a little more doughy, bready farmhouse yeast, but the cucumber tastes still dominate mostly.

Mouthfeel is medium to light bodied with medium carbonation; a bit low for the style to be honest. Finish is dry and lightly peppery almost like a pickled cucumber.

Overall I was quite impressed by this offering. If you are not a fan of cucumber, obviously avoid this beer but this was quite a fun, interesting flavor profile to enjoy in a Saison. I don't know if I could drink the whole 750ml by myself but shared with a friend with a nice light summer meal, why not.

Serving type: bottle

07-25-2012 17:35:37 | More by claspada

nick76

Florida

3.6/5  rDev -6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

The aroma is very cucumbery with a touch of pickles, citrus, and honey. The appearance is light honey with a small head. The taste is exactly like the aroma. The palate is thin and refreshing. Overall it's a very unique beer with a lot of character but I'm still trying to figure it out.

Serving type: bottle

07-23-2012 00:20:49 | More by nick76

VncentLIFE

North Carolina

4/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks @SuwaneeRefugee!

Dull straw cloudy body with a huge white head. Almost too much, but oh well.

They werent kidding when they said Cucumber. Good lord, Cucumber rind just emanates from the glass and bottle. Even more notes of sweet, fresh cucumber dominates. Eathy as well.

The taste is pretty much what it smells like. Prickly bite, and even more prickly carbonation. Very earthy. that cucumber rind and flesh taste somehow work. Theres not a ton of backing flavors (which is my biggest knock). Underlying sweetness helps, and the cucumber taste dominates through the finish.

Its like drinking a cucumber. I like the concept, and how they pulled it off.

Serving type: bottle

07-21-2012 21:43:36 | More by VncentLIFE

Infamous7100

Ohio

4.08/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A: Pours an unfiltered, hazy gold with a billowing head. Tremendous appearance. Inviting.
S: cucumber jumps out immediately. I also pick up on some zesty lemon, pepper and some light biscuity notes. Some other citric fruit aromas are present as well. Very complex and unique.
T: at front, the cucumber jumps right out and blends with notes of honey and spice/pepper. The cucumber fades into some lemon/citrus flavors, but the peppery notes remain. Again, very complex and tasty.
M: very creamy with a nice cabonation. This finishes with smooth, pleasing hang. Outstanding.
O: very unique, refreshing and complex brew. Perfect for the hot weather and highly sessionable. Nice job Cigar City.

Serving type: bottle

07-15-2012 21:25:40 | More by Infamous7100

ediaz

Florida

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

Bottle in wine glass. Bottle date June '12.

A: opaque golden orange with white thick 2 finger head that dissipates after a few minutes.

S: I get you can guess the first one. Other than cucumber, kind of a candied sweet note.

T: more sweet cucumber, not much more.

M: somewhat light with high carbonation. Comfortable.

O: not sure what I was expecting but this leaves nothing to the imagination. Pure cucumber in a farmhouse ale. It's definitely a summer beer. Light and refreshing, but don't think I could have it all the time. I would recommend this, especially if you have an affinity towards interesting, different beers.

Serving type: bottle

07-13-2012 21:48:53 | More by ediaz

adam42381

Florida

3.68/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

2012 Edition

Poured from a 750ml bottle into a tulip glass.

Appearance: Pours a cloudy medium gold with a 3 finger frothy eggshell white head. Nice head retention with the head finally leaving a small layer of foam which sort of pools in the middle. Decent lacing.

Smell: Earthy saison notes with freshly cut cucumbers dominating. I detect a touch of melon as well. It's a nice, refreshing aroma that doesn't overpower.

Taste: Sweet, fresh cucumber mixed with bitter cucumber rind up front with a touch of mango followed by mild traditional saison notes and a touch of honey in the middle before ending with melon and more cucumber. Aftertaste is bitter cucumber rind, black pepper and a touch of sweet melon. Very complex flavor that is fairly refreshing.

Mouthfeel: Light-bodied with a high amount of prickly carbonation.

Drinkability: Decent drinkability, but you will want to share the bottle with a friend. I couldn't finish my second glass.

Overall: Pretty good beer overall. I like that Cigar City pushes the envelope. Cucumber is not something I typically associate with beer and there may be a good reason for that. That said, it's a solid beer that is worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

07-09-2012 23:13:23 | More by adam42381

scottyshades

Florida

4.48/5  rDev +17%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottles from Tryst in Delray Beach, FL, Coffee District in Delray Beach, and Milam's in Coral Gables

A: Pours a hazy orange color with a small tight head. Retention is decent.

S: Less cucumber than I expected, which turns out to be the optimal amount. Freshly sliced cucumber, light earthy yeast, and spices are kept to a minimum. Well balanced and certainly inviting

T: Again, less cucumber than I anticipated, especially in the flavor. This beer is actually a classic saison (think Saison Dupont) with a refreshing touch of cucumber.

MF: Smooth velvety feel to it, decent carbonation, and a slightly spicy/cucumber finish. Full in body and flavor for a 5% Saison

O: I am not really a huge cucumber fan, but this one is awesome. On top of that, this beer is actually made to the style. Seek out.

Serving type: bottle

07-07-2012 18:36:19 | More by scottyshades

Beerisheaven

Pennsylvania

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

On a sweltering Friday night, decided to crack this beer open. Received recently in trade, thanks.

A - Poured from the bomber into two CCB snifters. Pours a hazy yellow with a large pillowy head that eventually settles down with some lacing left behind. As the beer settles, looks more orange in color.

S - Well it certainly delivers on he cucumber. Aroma of fresh cucumbers, the green skin part. Some herbal aromas but largely cucumbers front and center.

T - Again cucumbers and a pinch of pepper and yeast. Not really sure what to think of this to be truthful. It lacks some of the Saison quality that you would hope to get and is really about cucumbers only. Not sure I can drink much more of a glass of this. Interesting but not something that I can see drinking regularly.

M - Crisp, carbonated, and refreshing for the summer.

O - Very interesting effort from CCB. Props for doing something a bit out of the box. Nice, not something that I will search out more of though.

Serving type: bottle

07-07-2012 13:15:40 | More by Beerisheaven

rudzud

Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Received this bottle in a trade, poured into my Duvel tulip.

A - Pours a nice slightly hazy golden orange hue with a big, thick almost 3 finger white head that fades to leave a nice dense blanket and light side lacing.

S - Yep, thats cucumbers. Fresh cucumbers picked from the garden explode on the nose. Very, very light saison yeast on the end, but this is mostly just like smelling cucumber juice.

T - Taste starts with that bright, delicious cucumber and then moves to some slight malt and saison yeast with super light funk. The end is almost slightly metallic, or that could just be me. There is a lingering cucumber (mind you cucumber not pickle) flavour throughout the sip.

M - Mouthfeel is nice and super refreshing, perfect for a hot summer day. Could use a hair more carbonation but otherwise this is great. So crisp and clean.

O - Overall, while this is a gimmicky beer it is a damn delicious one. Well worth the 4 pack of HT it took to get to try this. Delicious unique brew that is a shock to the pallet.

Serving type: bottle

07-04-2012 22:56:56 | More by rudzud

Vec2267

Florida

3.53/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

A - cloudy pale yellow, pure white foam, nice retention

S - cucumber and lemon

T - again cucumber foremost, some grain, fairly tart

M - very carbonated, lots of little bubbles, makes it very light and crisp

O - I like beer, and I like cucumbers, however, I'm not a big fan of this combination

A nice crisp summer beer that is very different. This is about as well executed as is possible for this idea. Their skill is certainly on display. But why?

Serving type: bottle

07-04-2012 22:48:31 | More by Vec2267

Mora2000

Texas

4/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks to Dixonian for sharing this bottle.

The beer pours a hazy yellow color with a white head. The aroma is full of cucumbers, water and a little bit of biscuit malt. This smells like I think it would if you ran cucumbers through a Jack LaLanne Power Juicer. The flavor is more of the same. I get a ton of cucumber, as well as some biscuit malt, Belgian yeast, pepper and a hint of lemon and orange. Medium mouthfeel and medium carbonation. My only complaint is that I wish the beer was green.

Serving type: bottle

07-04-2012 18:31:24 | More by Mora2000

jzauder

Florida

3.8/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

22 oz. bomber, poured into a pint glass in June 2012.

First off, I don't like cucumbers. Being Jewish, that's kind of sacrilegious, but their taste just always hung around, and not in a pleasant way. I don't even like when restaurants put a cucumber slice in your water glass. However, I do love Cigar City, and try everything of theirs I can find.

It has the nice haze of a hefeweizen, with a light orange to yellow color. It definitely smells like cucumber, but with a hint of sweetness. It also delivers what it promises, as it tastes like cucumber, but not overwhelmingly so. I also taste a bit of dill as well as the spicy yeast. It's very refreshing. However, there's not much mouthfeel to it, as it ends up being very thin.

I'm not sure this belongs in the Saison family, as it didn't have the complexity or strength I would normally expect. Perhaps this belongs in the Vegetable/Fruit Ale category.

I really enjoyed this beer, as it focused on cucumber as an unusual ingredient but didn't overwhelm you with cucumber-ness. Very refreshing; another triumph for Cigar City.

Serving type: bottle

07-02-2012 21:21:40 | More by jzauder

UCLABrewN84

California

3.55/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Thanks to vacax for sharing this one at NoSignsOfPain's birthday bottleshare hosted by mrbubbler.

Pours a murky light orange with a foamy off-white head that settles to a thin cap on top of the beer. Small dots of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of grain and lots of cucumber aromas. Taste is of grain, cucumber, herbs, and spices. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a pretty good beer that has a really spot on cucumber aroma and taste that is quite interesting.

Serving type: bottle

07-02-2012 01:43:33 | More by UCLABrewN84

hoptualBrew

Florida

2.3/5  rDev -39.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

Everyone has opinions, like everyone has an asshole - here is mine. Appearance is what a saison should be, nothing exceptional. Smell is muted but just like the label says - cucumber salad. I bought this with hopes that it would be a funky &/or spicy traditional saison with a crispness of cucumber green. Other way around, mostly cucumber while neglecting the fact that it's a saison.

If your looking for a quality saison, look elsewhere. This is outside of the box thinking and experimental brewing, which I do applaud at times. But I don't think this one should have ever left the tasting room. I'd take their Guava Grove or Table Saison over this any day of the week. If your looking for liquid salad, have fun but making a cucumber/lettuce/vodka blend will give you the same effect without spending $12 for 750ml. Hyped up, yes. Worth investing in, no.

Serving type: bottle

07-01-2012 01:56:26 | More by hoptualBrew

inlimbo77

Delaware

4/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

750ml bottle. Bottle date June 2012
Poured into a Russian River goblet

A: Hazy golden color. Initially about a half finger of bright white head. Not any lacing or ABV legs on this lower ABV beer.

S: Lots of gherkin for sure. Then you get that farmhouse yeasty notes. Some spicy notes. Maybe a touch of honey. Smells nice.

T: Right up front you get the cucumber flavor. Very pronounced. In the middle it then meshes into a nice Saison with farmhouse yeast and spice. Some peppery notes. As it warms, I do pull more if those Citra hop flavors. Citrus and lemon. Crisp refreshing finish.

M: Light bodied. Good carbonation.

Serving type: bottle

06-25-2012 14:59:35 | More by inlimbo77

babaracas

Florida

4.28/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours a hazy amber with two finger of dense white foam, big splotches of lace left on the glass. Smell: holy freakin' cucumbers, they aren't playing. Spicy and lemony behind that wall of dimed cucumbers. Taste: cucumber and lemon, mildly tangy, sugary honeyed-biscuit, then more lemon peel and cucumber into a drying finish. Carbonation is perfect with a light-medium body and a pillowy feel. I like cucumber, but after the initial few sips, I wasn't sure I'd get through a bomber... then the Sorachi Ace started kicking in. A great combo. It's quite tasty, and does a fantastic job featuring cucumber. Bottled 6/8/12.

Serving type: bottle

06-24-2012 03:21:36 | More by babaracas

dcloeren

Texas

4.18/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Thanks to my bro, cloeren13, for sharing this with me. Poured poolside and enjoyed thoroughly

Poured a hazy orange with a finger of bright white fizzy head.

The aroma is spot on. An explosion of cucumbers, drizzled in honey. With a little but of lime juice and a touch of salt.

The taste really opened up once it warms up. Lightly salted cucumbers, touch of honey and a little bit of lime juice. Extremely refreshing!

Light in body with an ample amount of carbonation. Very easy drinking and leaves a tasty cucumber aftertaste.

Overall, this beer was delicious. The cucumber aspect was spot on. I thought that it was a little different than most Saisons but in a good way, very original. Worth seeking out for sure.

Serving type: bottle

06-23-2012 18:16:55 | More by dcloeren

jaasen64

Massachusetts

4.33/5  rDev +13.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

750ml bottle. Huge thanks to dolfan54fl. Poured into CCB snifter.

First had sample at EBF.

A- Opens with a nice crisp pop. Pours a hazy yellowish golden, just under a head of foamy white head that dissipates fairly fast to a light thin head, fast rising carbonation bubbles. Not too much lacing.

S- Cucumbers, pickles, honey, mixed with some light citrusy hops in the background. Fairly aromatic, complex, and definitely unique.

T- Cucumber, honey, citrus hops definitely a little bit more prevalent in the taste. Can distinguish a little bit of lemon, grapefruit, papaya. A little bit bitter on the finish and leaves a nice light sweet cucumber honey aftertaste.

M- Light, crisp, just the right amount of carbonation that complements the sweetness/bitterness well, goes down easily.

O- This was an interesting beer that I definitely enjoyed having the chance to try. At first I wasn't sure how cucumber fits with beer (I can definitely see why people might not like this that much), but I definitely think this was a perfect summer beer for a hot night (drinking this in 90 degree summer heat). It was light, crisp, refreshing, well-balanced, and flavorful. If you like interesting beers I definitely recommend picking this up and giving it a try. Not your typical saison, but definitely enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

06-23-2012 01:20:46 | More by jaasen64

drabmuh

Maryland

3.68/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Do you like cucumbers? Do you like water? Then this is the beer for you...do you like saisons? Skip this beer, this is not a saison in any sense of the world. On draft at Churchkey served in a snifter. Beer is yellow and clear with a white head of medium and large bubbles, low retention, moderate carbonation, looks fine.

Aroma is cucumbers, about what I expected and it smells good.

Beer is thin like water and wet like water and tastes like cucumbers. Is this beer? Next.

Serving type: on-tap

06-19-2012 00:58:45 | More by drabmuh

corby112

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Draft at Cigar City during Hunahpu Day 2012.

Pours a hazy golden yellow color with a two finger frothy white head that quickly settles into a lasting ring. Sporadic spots of lace left behind.

I was expecting this beer to look and smell like a ridiculous vegetable novelty but it has mostly saison characteristics with subtle cucumber melon notes. Aroma has some earthy farmhouse yeast along with subtle spice and bread followed by a strong but not overpowering cucumber salad presence.

Medium bodied with some zesty pepper and coriander spice up front that lingers over the funky farmhouse and bready yeast notes before finishing with a refreshing cucumber melon flavor in the finish. The cucumber is more prominent than the nose suggests but ts not over the top or unpleasant at all. Really light and refreshing, making this beer extremely drinkable. I was skeptical going in but this beer was a surprise sleeper for me.

Serving type: on-tap

06-16-2012 02:09:23 | More by corby112