Saw-whet Saison
Highland Brewing Co.
Story by:
Chris Guest
Saison
Seasonal
North Carolina
United States
Judges Ratings 80
Aroma: 18 / 24
Flavor: 32 / 40
Appearance: 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 8 / 10
Overall Impression: 16 / 20
Description
This farmhouse ale shows off a complex malt bill and a unique, spicy yeast, with subtle citrus notes. Astutely hopped for balance and dimension, while finishing exceptionally dry. A perfect beer to transition from winter to spring.
The saison is named after the Saw-whet Owl, which can be found on Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy protected land in North Carolina and Tennessee. It is the smallest owl in the eastern U.S. and can be spotted perched among the conifers during the winter months.
Beverage Profile
ABV: 6.00%
IBUs: 50
Served at: ()
Hops: Summit, Ahtanum
Malts: Two-Row, Bonlander Munich, Best Pils, White Wheat, Caramel 60
Judges Review
By Dan Preston
Judges Ratings 80
Aroma: 18 / 24 / 24
Flavor: 32 / 40 / 40
Appearance: 6 / 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 8 / 10 / 10
Overall Impression: 16 / 20 / 20
This beer pours a golden straw-like color with brilliant clarity and a fluffy white head that lasts. The aroma is yeast-forward with spicy notes, peppercorns, cloves, hay and lemon zest. It follows through with a touch of grassy, earthy hops, honey-like pilsner malt sweetness and a tinge of sourdough wheat. The body isn’t big by any means, but is a bit fuller than most classic saisons, which also gets exaggerated from the carbonation being lower than the usual champagne-like level. Honey and pear characteristics also add a sweetness that detracts from the dry-ish finish. The rest of the flavor is spot-on for the style though: lemongrass, orange zest, peppercorn, clove and yeast notes combine with floral hops. A bitterness builds and becomes more prevalent on the tongue as the dry-ish finish approaches.
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