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413 Farmhouse Ale

Massachusetts
United States
413-Farmhouse-Ale-by-Big-Elm-Brewing
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
90
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Appearance:
5 / 6
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Description 

Big Elm 413 Farmhouse Ale is a classic Belgian Saison brewed with local malts, local hops, and classic Belgian yeast. We spice our Farmhouse Ale with whole flower chamomile and orange zest. Hazy orange in color with a fluffy white head. Aromas of fruit and chamomile tickle the nose.  Flavors of citrus, stone fruit, and herbal bliss make the 413 Farmhouse refreshing and quite quaffable. 413 is the area code for western MA.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.0%
IBUs: 
9
Hops: 
Four Star Farms Pepite hops from Northfield, MA
Malts: 
Local Pilsner malt from Turner Farm, Egremont, MA, Canadian wheat
Judges Review 
Michael Bury's picture
Judges Rating:
90
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

413 Farmhouse Ale by Big Elm Brewing is being evaluated as a Biere de Garde (2015 BJCP Category 24C) due to the malt-forward backbone coupled with a restrained Belgian character. 

This farmhouse ale is quite a bit different than your typical, grippingly dry saison that many may call a farmhouse ale. 413 presents a solid base of grainy malt with moderate honeycomb in the nose. Restrained red delicious apple and white pepper provide intrigue, and as it warms, pear and orange characters emerge as does a delicate floral note. 

The biscuity, honey malt backbone continues to reinforce the beer in the flavor and not only opens the taste but lingers far into the aftertaste after a semi-dry finish. In the middle, you’ll be pleasantly greeted by a restrained Belgian fermentation profile of pepper and pomme fruit. Hints of alcohol and tangerine mingle with the other flavors that remind you that this is indeed still a beer and not a watery beverage. 

413 is a Biere de Garde in all the right ways. It’s deceptively complex yet it still displays a high level of drinkability. 413 is a great beer for the people who are timid to try a complex Belgian beer or those searching to hone their palates.