Brooklyn Sorachi Ace - Brooklyn Brewery

donniecuffs

New Jersey

4.43/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Poured a slightly hazy straw color, with a finger of white, decent head retention, and decent lacing. Nice crisp bitter herbal note in the nose, much more than I would expect from a farmhouse ale. Hay, grass, slight menthol, and peppery notes also emerged. The taste was a perfectly balanced spicy/herbal mix, that progressed to a bitter dry finish. No hint of the alcohol content. The body was between light and medium, and not overly carbonated. Very drinkable; VERY refreshingly dry and bitter. Surprising for a farmhouse ale.

Serving type: on-tap

07-22-2010 02:45:40 | More by donniecuffs

detlefchef

North Carolina

4.43/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pale and cloudy golden color with brilliant white head that certainly lingers. Vibrant and classically Belgian nose (bananas and citrus). Seriously, this beer totally jumps out of the glass at you.

Super clean flavors of citrus (including pith) that is downright nervy on the palate. A very, very pretty beer with loads of nuance. I would imagine that you'd get a whole new set of flavors if you let one open up or age for a bit.

Serving type: bottle

07-22-2010 17:19:35 | More by detlefchef

Cheesemoose

Florida

4.43/5  rDev +7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

750ml bottle split with the wife into two tulips. Paired with some Manchego cheese. Great pairing.

Very lovely pour. Slight cloudy, straw yellow with a flowing bright white head, giving a good 4 fingers of head. Lacing is well displayed, but as it warms, it slowly leaves a nice film and a good settled mark around the edges.

Like the label says, straw and lemongrass. No real depth beyond that, though the base gives a nice sweet bread nature. Alcohol and yeast add a bit of spice in the nose to the background.

Taste is very, very clean. You get a nice lemon zest blip, but following is a quick finish, with a tad of malt base. The malts are more grainy and bread like in nature, adding a saltine like finish with the body being a caramel toast nature.

A bit too clean, meaning that the depth is veyr limited. A very quick flavor might leave you wanting more, but is very well appreciated for those that might not want a "heavy" or "deep" beer. ABV is felt, but never sensed besides a bit of spice notes in the finish.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2011 03:59:27 | More by Cheesemoose

UTCengOwl

Texas

4.43/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bought this at Central Market during their 25% off sale. I'd had it before, but not since I had brewed my own saisons and used Sorachi Ace in my own homebrews. This was much better than I remembered. Rides the line beautifully between saison and hoppy beer. Served in a Great Divide balloon glass.

This beer has a great bone white head. Somewhat hazy yellow base. Good lacing. Not quite the Duvel I had last night, but still appealing.

The nose is complex and two faced. My first sniffs were of a fruity, dry, dry hop presence. However, this slowly melded into a funk dominated saison. I like some saisons a lot more than others, and this falls into the good funk category. Mmmm...

The taste is right there, too. Wonderfully controlled funk. Interesting level of bitterness. Doesn't overpower, but it's there. Good fruit from the hops, good funk. Heck yes.

This beer is a fantastic saison. I'm starting to wonder if this is the best one I've had. What great stuff...

Serving type: bottle

07-13-2011 02:21:21 | More by UTCengOwl

WYVYRN527

Minnesota

4.43/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

750 ml. bottle, poured into a tulip glass.

A: This beer pours a deep, hazy golden hue with a huge, frothy white head that seems to be going nowhere but up. The carbonation is quite lively, and sticky lace clings to every side of the glass.

S: cracker-like malt notes up front are soon dominated by hints of lemongrass, apple, and a hint of earth and spice. Slightly floral on the back end.

T: Sorachi hops make their presence known right off the bat. Lemon, along with other citrus flavors combine with hints of pear, apple, and spice. Some biscuit and honey-like malt shows in the middle, followed by a faintly musty, earthy character. Finish is quite dry, with floral, grassy notes.

Notes: This beer is a rock star! Well-balanced, with just enough body and a ton of flavor. The unique hop variety adds so much to the character of the brew. With all that said, if I were to have tasted this blind, I could almost swear there would be a little white ghost on the label. Well done, Brooklyn!

Serving type: bottle

08-11-2011 22:27:10 | More by WYVYRN527

rudzud

Massachusetts

4.43/5  rDev +7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Picked this up at Russell's Liquors in Amherst a long time ago and it was dusty. Pretty sure this is from one of the original batches...

A - Pours into my Duvel tulip a crystal clear light straw hue with a massive fluffy three finger head that slowly faded to leave BIG side lacing and a dense creamy white blanket. Just excellent.

S - Wow, quite nice. Spectacular lemongrass and funk notes, with the ABV slightly noticeable.

T - Just like the nose, great lemongrass and barnyard funk. LOVE what time has done to the Sorachi Ace hops, but the ABV is still oddly present.

M - Nice carbonation but I have to knock this for how prominant the ABV is. Its almost sharp, definately feels higher than what it is.

O - Overall, I really, really loved this beer. The only negative was the presence of the ABV throughout pretty much every aspect. While the price is was high $14.99, I would buy again.

Serving type: bottle

08-23-2011 03:33:22 | More by rudzud

OutFox

New York

4.43/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a Petrus Goblet.

A - Hazy golden wheat sort of look. Huge pure white head with noticably large bubbles. Good retention and ok lacing

S - Farmhouse sort of smell to it that should come from a saison. A little hoppy on the nose with hints of spices. Sweet belgian yeast and a little sort of fruit hints.

T - Holy sh!t. This beer is a ridiculously good saison. Love it. Taste like farmhouse wheaty sort of goodness. Same hints as the nose. Just flat out good. Brooklyn I love you. Love the taste of the Sorachi Ace hop. Had it a couple times in different styles of beer. Great flavor.

M - Light, crisp, refreshing, everything you want in a saison.

O - Great saison. Good representation of the style and a good hop balance with the Sorachi Ace. If you see a bottle and havent had it I highly recommend it.

Serving type: bottle

09-23-2011 02:37:13 | More by OutFox

litheum94

California

4.43/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

750 cork and cage. 1251 stamped on the back (6/5/11 bottling date?).

Load pop from the cork as the bottle is opened. Murky, straw yellow body pours out. A big, active head fills 40% of the glass, lace whit in color. Leaves a tiny cover, with some good lacing.

Very herbal and leafy aromas. Lemon peel and ginger. Some lime as well. Cracker malts and pepper.

Lots of ginger and citrus. Leafy hops and a dry earthiness. Bright lemon flavors melds well with the active carbonation.

Juicy and tasty, with some nice dryness. A great saison. Very well done.

Serving type: bottle

10-18-2011 04:56:15 | More by litheum94

bark

Sweden

4.43/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The gigantic off-white head is firm and compact. I notice some small bubbles in the somewhat chill-clouded liquid. The colour is pale gold (12 EBC). Lots of lacing occurs.

The smell is very hoppy with intensive notes of lemon, lemon peels and lemon juice. Spicy hints of white pepper and chilli. Some notes of orange squash. Very fresh and clean flavours. Some sweetness. Smells very much like an American APA/IPA/DIPA.

The taste is dry with lots of lemon candy. Notes of Belgian yeast that doesn’t take the focus from the hops. Lemons… Lots of lemons and some oranges. The bitterness is smooth and balanced. The aftertaste is clean with a rounded sweetness, hints of Belgian yeasty flavours. It is quiet light despite it’s strength and very refreshing. No noticeable alcohol. Medium body.

The carbonation is medium strong; the smell bubbles very fresh. The liquid is semi-dry.

The blend of lemon-hops and yeasty Belgian flavours makes this beer stand out. Very well done!

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2011 21:54:23 | More by bark

Morey

Pennsylvania

4.43/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Cork and cage bottle (1pint 9.4oz) with no freshness date. This beer is re-fermented with champagne yeast.

Pours a nice slightly hazy yellow-orange peach color. The head stood about an inch tall following a pretty light pour. About 10 minutes has gone by, and the head is just barley covering the top of the beer. Some decent lacing on the glass.

I'm definitely getting the lemongrass in the aroma. Very Asian type of citrus thing going on. Champagne smell coming through nicely as well.

Soft tingling carbonation up front. Lemon and other citrus flavors are quick to follow. Just the right amount of bitterness towards the middle/finish. The carbonation hits the roof of the mouth as you start to swallow (much like champagne) making for a bubbly and refreshing finish.

Medium bodied with a bubbly/lively carbonation.

This is a really good beer overall.

Morey's Bottom Line: I'd heard some good things about this beer. I saw a few bottles at my local Wegmans, and couldn't resist picking up a bottle for $9.99. It's even better than I expected. Probably my favorite Brooklyn beer to date. Might have to go and grab one more bottle.

Serving type: bottle

12-10-2011 22:38:17 | More by Morey

JTSbeerislife

Pennsylvania

4.43/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

22 oz Cork and cage, bottle conditioned Ale, purchased 9/2011 from a very reputable supplier and stored at 40-45 degrees since.

Poured into a Duvel Signature Tulip.

Pours a huge massive foamy four finger head, which reduces to a 1/2” head and eventually a thin cap. Each pour produces another explosive head. Extremely lively.
Yellow gold color, brilliant and clean, with small bubble carbonation.

Distinct aroma of yeast, very refined and elegant. You can smell the hops, a somewhat piney resiny smell but in no way of the West Coast variety. Citrusy aromas of lemon interplay with the yeast and hops. It is very intriguing and very enjoyable.

Very crisp entry on the palate of delicious yeast and citrusy/lemony hops, it’s quite dry, Belgium in style but somehow different. A bitter middle of hops. Golden malt comes on as this ale warms, with the yeast coming and going as it pleases, but the hops never let go. The crisp acidity, medium full mouth feel and champagne like carbonation make for a wonderfully balanced ale. Delicious!

Definite bitter hops in finish, with a very pleasing malt component. Lingering hop oils on palate, with some hints of lemon here and there.

Wasn’t sure what to expect with this ale, but I am impressed. Very lively, exceptionally drinkable Saison style ale. Delicious flavors of yeast/citrus/malt and of course the hops. A rather complex ale with lots of flavors and aromas, with a surprising and very welcome dryness.
Highly recommended!

Serving type: bottle

02-17-2012 00:14:42 | More by JTSbeerislife

mdagnew

United Kingdom (Northern Ireland)

4.43/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

750ml corked bottle bought from Deveneys off licence, Dublin...

Poured a light hazy golden yellow colour. White head poured big, thick and fluffy and a steady stream of carbonation maintained a good covering throughout... some sticky lacing...

A lot going on in the aroma... lots of spicy yeast mixed with tart juicy fruits (pears, grapefruits, mangoes, limes), very floral, talcum powder notes, light honey and candy sugar sweetness, some earthy farmyard traces, hay, some rubberiness, fresh bread, some pine...

Taste - Tart spicy fruits (pears, grapefruits, apples), pithy notes, quite a lot of yeastiness, floral honey, quite perfumed, light earthy funk, grassy hops, chalky, faint coriander, peppery, some thyme herbalness, metallic, sea salt... flavours develop well as the beer warms up...

M&D - Pretty sharp and dry... Light body... Extremely refreshing and dangerously drinkable at 7.6%...

Overall - A top class Saison... As good as any i've had... recommended...

Serving type: bottle

03-20-2012 12:06:26 | More by mdagnew

garuda

Pennsylvania

4.44/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A - Light gold, slightly hazed, white cap has good retention and decent lace.

S/T - Slightly tart, yeast funk, hay, grass, lemon candy sweetness. Moderate hop bitterness in the finish.

M - Medium body, lively carbonation, fluffy and smooth across the palate. Clean, dry finish.

O - This hop varietal seems to pair perfectly with the saison style. Accentuates the standard lemon/grass/hay flavors of saisons. Well done, I'd like to compare it to the bottle version.

Serving type: on-tap

02-24-2013 19:56:11 | More by garuda

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

mrfrancis

Kentucky

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

A: Pours a hazy gold with a thick, lingering white head.

S: Aromas of lemon zest, grapefruit, pine, and lemongrass fill the nose. This smells brilliantly hoppy.

T: Notes of bitter orange, lemon zest, lemongrass, grapefruit, and pine are balanced by flavors of biscuits, caramel, cream, and straw. The finish is hoppy and prickly with huge notes of pine, lemon zest, and grapefruit.

M: Full-bodied and dry, yet relatively creamy and smooth. Carbonation is crisp. Very drinkable for an ale of this strength.

O: This is an excellent saison. I'm now kicking myself for waiting this long to buy a bottle.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2012 14:43:44 | More by mrfrancis

goblue3509

Pennsylvania

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

Pours a hazy dark yellow color with a tight white head which leaves nice lace on the glass. The aroma draws you in with floral notes before honey and then a big lemony citrus smell finishes the beer off. The aroma is big but delicate. The taste follows suit with a green fruit tartness up front before there is a sweet honey and then a big lemon and other citrus flavor comes through. Again the taste is big but delicate. It is light and refreshing. The mouthfeel is crisp with moderate carbonation. Overall a very good beer, the beer is dangerously drinkable for the abv, and is surprisingly delicate for the abv. This beer is a must try.

Serving type: on-tap

03-26-2012 23:04:33 | More by goblue3509

sommersb

Tennessee

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

Tasted On: 04-08-2012
Freshness: Not indicated
Packaging: 750 ml brown bottle
Glassware: Cervoise glass
Purchased: Single from Midtown, Nashville

Appearance features a white, huge rocky head, 4+ fingers high with excellent retention and lacing. The beer's color is a hazy golden.

Aromas are of spices and hops - unlike I've smelled before with the Sorachi Ace - which I found very pleasing to the nose. Citrus/lemon, perfume, and pine aromas compliment the funk and earthiness of Belgian yeast.

Taste is lightly sweet and also somewhat zesty and tart from the lemon or citrus character. The hops bring a medium amount of bitterness but are held in check nicely so as not to overpower the saison.

Finish is dry with a spicy and sour aftertaste. Tangy and crisp mouthfeel with medium to high carbonation.

Overall a wonderful experience. I thought the marriage of sweet, sour and bitter was remarkable.

Serving type: bottle

04-09-2012 03:35:45 | More by sommersb

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