Brooklyn Sorachi Ace - Brooklyn Brewery

Bouleboubier

Pennsylvania

4.51/5  rDev +8.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

The "lemon" flavor is overstated in this so-delicious Sorachi ale. To be true, lemon is certainly there, but the ratio of lime aroma/flavor to it is about 2:1 (i mixed the fresh juices of each just to see), surely with some banana and floral phenols from the yeast, tropical-ish cannabis, and a dab of sugar-cookie malt in the mix. This goes for smell and taste.

Hazy, lite-brite sunbeam yellow in color, with a healthy rise in cottony foam on the pour. Cotton-candy like bands of lace to and fro. Mellow citrus-peel flavor and bitterness matched with smooth, spicy alcohol warmth up front on the palate, and a fine foundation of doughy, cereal-like pale malt to balance. Light and fluffy texture, disappearing soft-dry, leaving only spicy, cozy alcohol warmth and a semi-sweet/bright-fruity blend of the eponymous hops and esters.

They appear to have kept the recipe simple here and those that follow that blueprint are often the best beers, no? This was my introduction to Sorachi Ace hops a few years back and I savor that flavor in any beer I've had containing them since. So distinctive. WOuld match so well with a light, fruity dessert or peppery salad. Really stellar job on this one!

Serving type: bottle

05-23-2013 19:59:07 | More by Bouleboubier

WVbeergeek

Ohio

4.5/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured a pale golden slighty hazed hue with a bright white head, appears almost pils like with very nice intricate lacing as the head settles. Aroma was spicy with a funky welcoming yeast edge with a very nice citric and tropical hoppiness about it with a touch of coriander or other spice addition possibly? Flavor has more of the spicy citrus and herbal hop blend from this rare varietal of hop, a nice zesty edge to the whole experience sweetness is balanced with some dry yeast flavors in the finish. Mouthfeel is light bodied very sessionable brew comes off quite nice and definitely intrigues the senses with each sniff and sip. A complex satisfying drinking experience that was very unique and it reeled me in, I hope this makes it's way back to the beer drinkers.

Serving type: on-tap

10-09-2009 05:05:37 | More by WVbeergeek

ffejherb

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Ebenezer's on 2/27/10. Served in a challice.

A - Cloudy golden orange-colored body with a one-finger rocky alabaster crown reminiscent of a bowl of rice pudding that settled into a wall of carbonation bubbles and thick swatches of lace.

S - Aroma reeks of tropical fruit, especially mango and pineapple, and works really well with the saison yeast to provide a hint of earthiness with spicy notes, especially white pepper and other herbs. A sweet malt character persists throughout. Citrus peel also emerges in the backend, which offers a compelling hop profile for a brew utilizing a single hop variety.

T - Brooklyn successfully combines a citrusy IPA with a farmhouse-style saison. The subtle funk and musty character of the saison works quite nicely with the spiciness of the yeast. Pepper, light herbs and citrus peel all work together effortlessly to create a sweet, fruity and funky brew.

M - Medium bodied with a creamy, frothy texture and soft carbonation. Light bitterness on the palate with a slight musty earthy character and sour notes on the tongue. Despite all of this, the finish is pretty sweet overall.

D - Very complex and unique single hopped ale with quite a pungent nose to boot. I enjoyed this one immensely and I found this particular hop to work exceptionally well with the saison qualities.

Serving type: on-tap

03-05-2010 03:26:06 | More by ffejherb

wstein70

Florida

4.5/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Got a bottle of this to trade with Icharus and I decided to get one for myself to try out since I haven't had it and I am a fan of saisons. I have to say this is a very good beer and the A- BA rating is well deserved.

A: Poured out a golden color with a nice foamy head that will stick around a while.

S: A pleasant cirtusy smell. Also IPA type hoppy smell.

T: Here is the great part about this beer. To me it is a cross between a IPA and a saison. You have the intense hoppy taste as the Sorachi Ace hops comes out. Also, there is the sweet malty flavor of the saison coming right behind the hoppy-ness.

M: This beer left a clean taste without a strong after-taste. Very pleasant.

D: This beer is a good candidate to enjoy by the pool on a hot day or to relax in front of the tv watching a football game in Dec.

I am thoroughly pleased with this beer and will have to put it into my rotation of beers

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2011 02:19:55 | More by wstein70

CPeterson

Minnesota

4.5/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A -- A hazy straw golden brew pours to a four finger white head which settles very slowly to a thick froth, leaving thick spots of lacing on the glass.

S -- A solid farmhouse funk balanced by a twist of grass and citrus peel, backed with earth tones and herbal esters.

T -- Bold and bright lemon zest up front, herbal hop tones and the essence of rosemary and lavender. Light malts show in a mild biscuit undertone. Well balanced bitterness and a light fruit notes in the finish.

M -- Light to moderate in body, very effervescent carbonation. Fully showcasing dryness.

D -- Excellent brew, worth a try and a very admirable representation of a single hop variant.

Serving type: bottle

08-13-2011 04:11:19 | More by CPeterson

KATE12

New York

4.5/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Tried this beer for the second time while watching the Giants game yesterday.

Color-golden straw color

Mouthfeel-smooth, silky mouthfeel

Aroma-great aroma! Hints of fruit and floral aspects

I really enjoyed this beer. The head and lacing were outstanding and the taste was excellent. You really get flavors of wheat with some citrus and malt with a floral finish. It has a very smooth taste and is easy to drink and enjoy.

Serving type: bottle

10-03-2011 16:01:04 | More by KATE12

4.5/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance - clear golden with lots of visible carbonation and a huge, puffy white head.

Smell - Very compex yeasty and herbal aroma that is enticing, but difficult to pin down becasue it is so well-intergrated. Grass, lemongrass, peppercorn, and cedar are definitely swirling in the mix.

Mouthfeel - Light bodied, but smooth and creamy because of the carbonation.

Taste - Very dry and refreshing. Flavours of lemongrass, yeast, bread, grass and spice.

Serving type: bottle

10-27-2011 22:10:20 | More by

ToddT

Pennsylvania

4.48/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A- Cloudy pale golden yellow with ample carbonation in the large off white head. Head is sticky and leaves lots of lace on the glass.

S- Strong citrus and lemon character in the nose, very forward. Some hints of barnyard funk in the background, along with pepper, spice, and some alcohol heat.

T- Lemon and pepper flavors very forward at first. A bit of funk appears, well done not overly funky or sour, to balance things out and leads to a crisp, clean, and dry finish. Slight note of hop bitterness at the finish along with a slightly tart aftertaste, leaves you wanting just one more sip.

M- Creamy and smooth almost buttery, well carbonated but not overdone here either.

D- Very drinkable and accessible for the style. The 7.6% ABV is well hidden only a slight note in the nose.

Great beer, if you run across this buy it and enjoy it.

Serving type: bottle

07-28-2010 05:08:47 | More by ToddT

bucklemyshoe

Georgia

4.48/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

750 mL bottle. Tulip.

A: Cloudy, yet bright yellow pour with three fingers of puffy white head.

S: Tropical fruits, citrus hoppiness, and a little pepper.

T: Lemon, banana gobstoppers, tropical fruits, and moderate hoppiness.

M: Medium body thickness with lots of carbonation.

O: It's very fruity and hoppy for a saison.

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2012 14:59:54 | More by bucklemyshoe

MattyG85

Minnesota

4.48/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from corked 750 ml bottle into a Duvel tulip glass. No dating visible.

Appearance: Pours a hazy golden yellowish orange with a moderate amount of bubbles. Big four finger white head that slowly fades into a thin layer. Lots of lace hanging around the glass.

Smell: Belgian yeast and a big tart lemon zest up front with some barnyard funk. Sweet bready pale malts with some candy sugar and a light hint of honey. Also some fairly vibrant citrus and grassy hops. A pretty tart aroma. Also fairly herbal. The champagne yeast is also pretty noticeable.

Taste: A kick of spicy Belgian yeast and barnyard funk up front with a huge citrus lemon presence. Some sweet pale malts and sugar midway are followed by a nice taste of citrus hops with hints of orange and grapefruit. Also some herbal grassy hops. Taste is a nice combination of sweetness, tartness, and bitterness.

Mouthfeel: Medium to heavy body with a carbonation on the heavier side of medium. Crisp, tangy, and tart. Finishes somewhat dry.

Overall: A very tasty and interesting brew. Its like a combination of a wheat beer, Saison, and Champagne. Very well done.

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2012 00:51:53 | More by MattyG85

chanokokoro

Illinois

4.48/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 750 ml bottle into 15 oz. gold-rimmed Brooklyn Brewery-branded stemware.

Pours an attractive hazy gold with a huge pillowy three finger clean white head that has almost supernatural retention. Leaves behind considerable lacing. Pleasant smells of bread and slight citrus dominate. Mild grassy and citrus flavors combine with an exceptionally creamy mouthfeel that finishes dry with just the right hint of spice. The refreshing flavors make this beer a joy to the tastebuds and the quinntesential warm weather saison.

Truly a world class beer and one of the most original and highest quality saisons brewed by a American craft brewery. A must try.

Serving type: bottle

05-25-2012 12:14:10 | More by chanokokoro

danieelol

Australia

4.48/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to Platinum Liquor

Had this following Ginger Chops. Lemon and ginger is a classic combination after all.

Pours a cloudy bronzed yellow. Good head/lacing.

Smell is herbal hops and garden smells, followed by lemon and lemon sherbet, which I have heard described before in reference to Sorachi Ace but never experienced. Nice soft citrus/lemon cake. Some funky body odour notes. Great combination of leaves and lemon.

Taste is more subtle, well rounded lemon. Texturally great too, confident but restrained carbonation is tempered by a soft feel on the tongue. Do get the more conventional tea-like hops coming through also, evoking lemon iced tea.

Overall, what more to say? Fantastic beer. Brooklyn found a great application for Sorachi Ace, and executed it par excellence.

Serving type: bottle

07-14-2012 12:44:27 | More by danieelol

Richiebaseball

Georgia

4.48/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

A very solid beer! Just a hint of lemon in the smell. Beautiful color. Nice and golden. Not served too cold which I think is important. Very good taste and aftertaste. Left my mouth tasting just a little dry. This beer just kept getting better with every drink. I would order this ale again anytime!

Serving type: on-tap

05-09-2013 21:41:57 | More by Richiebaseball

scootny

New York

4.47/5  rDev +8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I had this on tap at the brewery back in July but did not have my tasting notebook. Luckily DeCicco's had growlers so given my initial love for this one I bought two.

A pale gold with a light fluffy head and respectable lacing. Very clear with little carbonation evident.

The smell is a sweet roll and light sweet malt breadiness with a lemony brightness. Not the usual hop pine or citrus bouquet. This is light and summery. A crispness and refreshing quality even before the first sip. Peppery spiciness and a bit of grassiness combine with a light fruit melange. Apples, grape, pear, and tropicals banana, and pineapple

This is just a perfect summer beer. Taste mirrors the nose. An apple tinged malt backbone flows easily into a tripel like Belgian sweetness. The fruit melange speaks out. That peppery spice again. Then the Saison funkiness emerges to lay a platform for the bright and super clean hops. The Sorachi hops give a finish so clean and perfectly dry that it's almost like champagne. Before that finish the expert balance they give leaves the signature for the whole brew. The is a delicate, subtle, and watershed brew. You think think you taste the alcohol but when you look for it...that taste is not alcohol.
This is sooo close to a 5 in taste for me that I have to remain calm.

Feel is light and quaffable. Carbonation is mild but lightly, creamy, and finely effervescent. You just don't want to run out because it feels so good.

The other reason you don't want to run out is because this is one of the most drinkable beers in my recent memory. Never mind the slightly high abv. The alcohol is invisible. The refreshment level is off the chart. The finish will give the dryness that deep thirst craves. You will find it very easy to go a little overboard with this one. Enjoy the swim.

A real triumph for the Brooklyn brewery. A brew that really showcases what may be Japan's best contribution to the brewing art. This is one of my top ten beers of all time, maybe a top five. A perfect beer for review # 200.

Serving type: growler

09-06-2009 03:13:03 | More by scootny

Deuane

Pennsylvania

4.47/5  rDev +8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A-Hazy golden orange with a thick, off-white head that slowly reduced and left thick, caking lace.

S-Big dose of lemon rind, mango and pineapple thanks to the Sorachi Ace hops. I have limited experience with this hop but from what I have I know I REALLY like it. Saison notes of spicy pepper, fines herbes and earthy mustiness meld well with the juicy fruit hop notes.

T-Out of the gate with a thundering hop blast of juicy lemon citrus zing! Then, the saison qualities take over in the finish with a subtle, musty character, peppery spiciness and the drying astringency of the herbal like notes.

M-Medium bodied, soft, creamy and quite smooth. A fairly complex ending with earthy, tangy and drying notes all making appearances.

D-Quite complex and very interesting. I like the IPA/saison combination as the qualities of both shine through and compliment each other. A delicious and intriguing brew. Kudos to Brooklyn for taking a chance and making it work.

Serving type: on-tap

03-08-2010 13:46:17 | More by Deuane

JoePat

Kentucky

4.47/5  rDev +8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This beer pours a straw like golden color some what hazy and almost glowing with a huge white head.
I smell a lot of bananas up front and some citrus and a little bit of grassiness.
The first thing you notice in the taste is a citrus flavor with some slightly sweet maltiness and then if finishes dry with some citrus hop bitterness at the end.
Mouth feel is good but nothing special really stands out.
This is one of those beers that you could drink all day on a hot summer or warm spring day. The only think keeping you from it would be the price.

Serving type: bottle

05-22-2010 20:46:40 | More by JoePat

jzeilinger

Pennsylvania

4.47/5  rDev +8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A - Pours a straw gold color with a thick, foamy, rocky, white, creamy head and alot of champagne-like bubbles.

S - Grassy lemon spice, wet straw, slightly piney with a mild amount of citrus aroma. Has a fair amount of pungent lemon smell.

T - Echoes the nose. Delicate lemon grass, Belgian spice, Belgian yeast, and mild pepper sits on the back of the tongue and lingers with a crisp finish. The light lemon aftertaste with just the right amount of tart lemon is perfect.

M - Light bodied, very crisp, PERFECT balance and finish with a dry tartness.

D - Exceptional. I absolutely love this beer.

Serving type: bottle

08-27-2010 03:28:45 | More by jzeilinger

JimLetson

New York

4.47/5  rDev +8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured from a 750 into a snifter.

Appearance - a pale gold straw colour with a little haze. The head is white and about two fingers high. It's pillowy, with large bubbles that leave a nice lacing.

Smell - a lot of lemon up front, but there is also malty sweetness and a grassy smell. There is also a twangy smell, which I assume is the Sorachi hops. I like it.

Taste - it starts off with a mild sweet flavour, and moves quickly into the lemony taste you expect from the first whiff of the beer. The lemon makes a segue into pine and a reappearance of the twangy smell, and the transition/combination are really refreshing. I've let the beer sit a few minutes, and I kind of regret it; this particular combination of tastes would be outstanding at a few degrees below where it's at now. Different glass next time, for sure. Anyway, the sip finishes with a crisp, spicy bite.

Mouthfeel - surprisingly smooth, given how loudly the cork blew off and how big the bubbles in the head are. Really nice.

Drinkability - yowza. I could drink a lot of this! A really good balance, a great flavour. A nice offering. I recommend hunting one up.

Serving type: bottle

12-26-2010 22:28:23 | More by JimLetson

rdilauro

Connecticut

4.47/5  rDev +8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a nice sun tan blond with a big foamy white head. A distinct and attractive hop nose, big and bold but you can tell its not a bitter hop.
The taste was big and full with traces of orange, pineapple and pear. A little cloudy almost like a wheat beer.
I had this a year ago, loved it and still enjoy this one
The biggest characteristic is the nose with a big smell of fruit and balanced hops

Serving type: bottle

06-24-2011 01:07:11 | More by rdilauro

smakawhat

Maryland

4.47/5  rDev +8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from the bottle into a tulip glass. Good solid pop off the cork.

Pours solid, but a very soapy looking white head, Body is a slightly cloudy yellow orange with classic rising carbonation in the middle. Little lacing, some spotty puck as well. Looks pretty light for a saison no complaints.

Bouquet is a light lemon and fruity estery with light yeast notes. Hint of light sugars too. Crisp smelling, a little butter ghee like, much like a pale or Belgian strong ale than a saison. I dig it very light.

Taste is sharp butter of ghee then the palate sweetens to some sugar and stinging yeast. Just a hint of barnyard, and a very quick sharp crisp bubbly champagne "brut"-ness. That sharpness sticks around just long enough and then lingers slowly like good tonic water. Pleasurable tickle on the tongue this is really like that.

Overall this is just great take on a saison, real glad I picked this one up.

Serving type: on-tap

07-06-2011 01:43:02 | More by smakawhat

DCon

Missouri

4.47/5  rDev +8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bought a 1 PINT, 9.4 FLOUID OZ. bottle of this from Bruisin' Ales in Asheville, NC for $12. Poured from the Corked/Caged bottle w/ an Ace of Diamonds Card as the label and Gold Lined trimming into a 16oz Guinness Pint Glass. Has no freshness date on the bottle.

Aroma- Has a high fruity aroma from the beginning with a musky background. A nice citric and floral hop aroma comes in towards the end.

Appearance- Pours a huge 5 finger head that stays forever! Has a golden body thats a bit cloudy. Leaves thick lacing behind.

Flavor- A nice combination of barnyard, citrus, and musky notes all the way through. This muskiness I keep finding isn't disappointing though. A perfect contribution to a great Saison! Has light spices and bitterness at the finish.

Mouthfeel- Light-Medium Bodied, Highest Carbonation, Goaty and musky finish. Very effervescent!

Overall Impression- Just when I think I've had some of my favorite Saisons (whether from Fantome, The Bruery, or others), another great one pops up! Such a nice brew, I'm wondering how this musky characteristic came into play? Perfect amount of citrus and sour notes. Can't say one characteristic overpowered another one. Very well balanced! Recommend if you have a chance and enjoy the Saison style.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2012 17:57:53 | More by DCon

Georgiabeer

Georgia

4.45/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Extremely interesting beer. I always like tasting a single hopped beer, and particularly when its such an interesting one as the Sorachi Ace hop. Pours a slightly cloudy, but glowing golden with a mousse-like head that sticks around and leaves some sticky lacing. Very lemony aromas, with particular emphasis on the zest- slightly bitter and oily, but with the bright, zingy essential aromas of the lemon. The taste is extremely complex. I can't put my finger on all the elements there, but the overall impression is of lemon meringue with a touch of pith mixed in with a zest accent on top. More pith than zest here, quite bitter, but in that particular pithy way, and with some creaminess on the finish. There is also a good deal of herbalness, but I can't put my finger on what herb(s) it reminds me of. Quenching and drying 9in the mouth, this is a Saison to contemplate.

Serving type: bottle

07-07-2010 01:55:11 | More by Georgiabeer

treehouse

California

4.45/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

looks wonderfully dirty..like an unfiltered sad saison....but sad it is not...

smells like lemon...malty

in my mouth....

malty and lemony...a bit stinky....some pepper...nice and drinkable..very drinkable....bright in the mouth..7.6%...manoman..i could drink this all day...a damned handsome beer..you can taste the bourbon and wood in this....!!

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2011 20:00:55 | More by treehouse

larryi86

Delaware

4.45/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

750 mL bottle poured into a snifter

A- Clear golden yellow with big white fluffy three finger head.

S- Lemon, lemon grass, citrus and floral hops, hint of pepper/spices.

T- Very close to the smell, nice earthy spices balanced lemon and citrus flavors, tart finish, nice complexity.

M- Smooth, refreshing, medium body.

O- I am really enjoying this beer, great stuff. Definitely will be pick this up again.

Serving type: bottle

08-20-2011 19:34:49 | More by larryi86

RedSpecial1

Florida

4.45/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A: Pours a slightly hazy, pale yellow with a large amount of white frothy head that leaves a bit of lacing.

S: The smell is definitely characteristic of the sorachi ace hops. A strong lemon note is definitely present, as well as a noticeable yeast character.

T: A very tasty flavor, the lemon isn't overpowering, and combines well with the yeast flavor. Very refreshing.

M: Light, with a high carbonation that is characteristic to the style. Again, very refreshing.

O: A very subtle, and thirst quenching drink. This is a beer I could come back to again. Very enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

12-17-2011 23:52:06 | More by RedSpecial1