Saison Imperiale - Belgian Farmhouse Ale - De Proefbrouwerij (bvba Andelot)

Dukeofearl

California

3.88/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had a hard time reviewing this beer- what is it? A saison? Not like any I've ever seen. More like a light DIPA than a saison. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

750 ml. bottle purchased at La Bodega in Riverside, CA. in July 2006 for $8.99.

Pours a deep reddish amber with a light off-white head in a Duvel tulip. Lots of carbonation feeds the head.

Color is much darker than any saison I've ever seen. Aroma is not strong, but it's good malty, with a slightly sweet biscuit nose. A bit of saison organics, but not much.

Flavor is malts and hops, with little to no farmhouse ale notes- disappointing. Actually a decent touch of alcohol in the back end- I generally don't like that, but it's not bad here. It actually reminds me more of DIPA flavors than saison.

I really like DeProef brews (OK, I like most of them) and this is interesting and enjoyable. But it's completely off-style. As I said, tough to review. Points for creativity and different approaches, but I don't know why I would buy this one.

Serving type: bottle

07-27-2006 01:30:31 | More by Dukeofearl

IceAce

California

3.7/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

750 ml bottle with synthetic cork dated SI 1005

Initial pour is chestnut brown with outstanding clarity. Collar is medium tan, pock-marked and rocky, leaving beautiful trail of light tan lace on my Duvel tulip. Nose is phenolic, sweet, and promises a dry / funky experience.

Entry is lively and coats the palate with a pleasing mouthfeel. Midtaste gives way to sweet malts as well as candied plums and raisens. The finish is vinuous with plums as well and ends on a very dry note.

A very different take on Farmhouse Saison.

Serving type: bottle

07-03-2006 07:04:53 | More by IceAce

ypsifly

Michigan

4.2/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

750 that has a synthetic cork but no dates purchased at Merchant's in Dearborn and poured into a Gulden Draak tulip.

Dark amber with over two fingers of light tan that shows good retention and leaves lots of scattered lace.

The nose is yeasty and has some clove, sweet and tart notes with some basement funk in the background. The sweet/tart notes remind me of a cherry-strawberry flavored Sweet Tart candy and is actually quite appealing. Mouth watering aromas overall. I like it.

The sweet and tart combo is first up with lemon zest dipped in confectioners sugar. The tartness lasts throughout while the sweet flavors turn from sugars to more of a malty flavor that is backed by grassy hops. Very dry finish with some pepper from the alcohol in the back.

Moderatly carbonated and with an almost puckering tartness. Dry and very clean with a spritzy feel. A very nice summer drink if your in the mood for something with strength without all the weight and heat. I will buy this one again.

Serving type: bottle

06-30-2006 03:54:08 | More by ypsifly

GClarkage

California

4/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

05/10/06- Purchased at Ledger's Liquors in Berkeley, CA.

Presentation- 750ml bottle. No freshness dating on the bottle. Poured into my Troubador tulip.

Appearance- Odd amber, extreme dark golden color. Full solid 3/4 inch head and leaves above average lacing. Can't remember a amber colored saison I've had.

Smell- The slightest bit of barnyard. A sweet carob-caramel scent? A bit of sourness and sweetness. Some definite sugary aspects.

Taste- This is some freaky hybrid beer. It's got qualities of many styles. If I had to call it something I would make it a Belgian Pale Ale. It has the bit of powdered sugar and touch of lemon rind like saisons have. It has a nice spicy and sweeter flavor like a strong belgian pale ale. It has a funky light brett sourness like a wild ale. It tastes good, but trying hard to figure out what it is.

Mouthfeel- Medium carb, nice sweet-sour aftertaste.

Drinkability- Whatever it is, it's definitely drinkable. Not outstanding, but worth giving it a shot...whatever the style may be. Although the $10 was a bit steep. I'm thinking about $7 or so may be worth it.

Serving type: bottle

05-11-2006 05:25:35 | More by GClarkage

clickpush

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +14.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Note: This is a special release for Michael Jackson's beer-of-the-month club. Labeled as Brewmaster's Collection.

Pour: 750ml to wide mouth wine glass, slightly chilled. It pours a gorgeous deep mahogany hue with a small but very long lasting tan-colored head. This ale is slightly foggy from yeast and the insane amount of tiny bubble trails streaming throughout the glass. Excellent, excellent lacings remain after the head has gone.

Nose: Smells slightly sour and at the same time floral; the raspberry and rose aromas would be responsible for that. There's also a sweet, malty smell in there.

Mouth: This beer enters the mouth smoothly and stimulates the back section of the tongue as it makes its way through. Starts sweet, nutty, and fruity (figs). It moves on to a pleasant tartness and hits the back of the mouth with just a touch of dry, hoppy bitterness. The sip concludes with a warm swallow, really allowing the flavor/feel of the alcohol to come through.

In all, this is a very well balanced and drinkable beer!

Serving type: bottle

05-04-2006 19:22:47 | More by clickpush

GbVDave

Illinois

3.55/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Served in a tulip glass at Hopleaf 3/27/07. Assist by HeatherAnn.

A:Served a dark, tarnished copper color with no head to speak of.

S: Sweet apples and big yeast dominate.

T: Yeasty bananas and clove mixed with sweet & tart fruit, vanilla, and hops.

M: Tart, prickley, and fruity.

D: Very sweet and bitter with almost no horse blanket/barnyard funk. Very strange for a Saison. Not nearly tart or peppery enough.

Serving type: on-tap

04-07-2007 20:22:24 | More by GbVDave