Summer's End Saison - Craftsman Brewing Co.

ehammond1

California

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

On Tap

Churchill's Pub & Grille
San Marcos, CA

Nearly clear amber and rose with a thin cap of off-white bubbles. Leaves the glass messy with irregular lines of stick.

Floral aroma along with some berry sweetness/fruit character. There's distinct, complementary Brett yeast aroma as well, leaning toward the tangy end of the spectrum as opposed to the barnyard/funky.

The flavor follows the aroma. This reminds me of a Colorado (Crooked Stave/Trinity) style saison, with nice, complementary, Brett tang, some mild fruit flavors (also from the yeast), and a bit of biscuit. There's just a touch of an acidic sour character upfront, but it disappears quickly.

Medium bodied with moderate carbonation.

A very nice, slightly sour, saison from Craftsman.

Serving type: on-tap

01-02-2013 16:27:34 | More by ehammond1

mactrail

California

4/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

This has that "meaty" flavor I always associate with Bière De Mars styles and seems to be from the Brettanomyces this is supposed to have in its brewing. Slightly sour at first taste. I have seen this described as a sour, but it's really as advertised a Saison with a nice tang to go with the umame funk. Something like honey in the nose.

Not so much foam and only moderate carbonation in the mouth. Taste, however, is sensational, with billows of fruity fragrance and a tartness on the tongue. Rather light bodied and on the sharp side. Just sweet enough to bring out the mango, pineapple, and pear flavors. The Belgian yeasty dryness makes an appearance for the curtain call.

On tap in the 10 oz tulip at Local Habit in San Diego.

Serving type: on-tap

12-03-2012 05:54:37 | More by mactrail