Church-Key Sacred Saison - Church-Key Brewing Company

biegaman

Ontario (Canada)

3.63/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On-tap at C'est What?, in Toronto.

A honest pour meant the glass could hold only a very thin layer of head, but I doubt more would have formed even given the room to. It faded gradually; the lacing left showing its present in decline from the past. Light ekes through just enough to magnify transparency (but with this deep golden a body it's like opening your eyes under water).

One observation can easily be made as result of using Belgian yeast: things sure smell more interesting. This bouquet has plenty of fruit shavings and a pint-sized (figuratively) amount of spice. But it doesn't have the kind of effervescence that the style's top dogs possess and, frankly, it would probably need a little more yeasty disguising to roll in those circles.

The beer tastes like a nice crostini - all I need is a creamy cheese to spread and a small bowl of fruit and I'm set! In all seriousness though, you can really notice the Belgian variety pale and/or pilsner malts. The beer really resembles a commercial Belgian pale ale in taste, except with a hint of bubblegum (like you'd find in a German hefe weiss).

Indeed, the closer I get to the bottom, the more the similarities hit me. It has the clove-like spiciness and zestful citrus notes. Plus it shows incredibly little of its strength and drinks with the refreshment of a beer specifically designed with that sort of thing in mind. That's not a bad thing; style be dammed, any which way you cut it this is a pleasant beer.

There's nothing not to like about Church Key Sacred Saison and it's probably a great drink for those days when it's hot enough for sweat to build up under the kneecaps. But according to style guidelines, in the strictest sense, it should not be considered a saison (not a stellar example of one, anyhow). It's a beer to be held in good regard, but not sacred regard.

Serving type: on-tap

07-05-2011 20:46:25 | More by biegaman

liamt07

Ontario (Canada)

3.6/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On tap at Volo, served in a wine glass.

Poured a cloudy "egg yolk" yellow with a dense finger of bright white head. Solid lacing and medium retention. Nose has loads of wheat, slightest hint of spicing (maybe some white pepper?) A sense of some dryness and general breadiness. A bit of the saison yeast. Taste has a ton of wheat as well, some orange and citrus and some banana notes. Spicing comes in midway through the sip and finishes moderately dry. Wheat lingers in the aftertaste. High carbonation and a bit of a spritzy bite. A fairly thick body to along with this, but drinks of something thinner and lighter. A decent offering, but I'm not sold on this as being a traditional saison (from what I've experienced form the style at least).

Serving type: on-tap

05-09-2011 00:45:00 | More by liamt07

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.53/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Decent offering for the style. Vegetable flavours, with vegetable stock, saison yeast contributes strong aromas of the same. Orangey unfiltered appearance, and nice lace. Not an easy drinker, and not one that will appeal to all, but still no off or sour notes. Carbonation is right there.

Serving type: on-tap

05-03-2011 11:13:50 | More by northyorksammy