A bready Pils-like malt dominates the aroma with light, peppery phenols and later unfolds with a hint of freshly cut cantaloupe. There is a light solvent note in the background that lingers but is overtaken by a stronger cantaloupe aroma as the beer warms. This is a very attractive beer -- a tightly packed head of fine white bubbles cascades on top of a bright yellow beer with light haze. The flavor profile showcases the beer's complexity. Cantaloupe, peppercorn and bread dough intermingle with medium herbal hop flavor and medium bitterness. The cantaloupe carries into the moderately dry finish, though there is a bit of harshness between the solvent note from the alcohol and the prominent peppery phenols. The beer lacks some effervescence as well but has enough carbonation to lift the aroma and scrub the palate clean. The cantaloupe character is subtle, but it has just enough to balance the phenolic yeast character, resulting in a nice saison to enjoy in warmer weather.
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X-10
Description
The 10th entry in the eXile series, X-10: Saison brewed with cantaloupe, is medium-bodied, pale straw in color, and crisp on the tongue. Both flavor and aroma are dominated by cantaloupe backed by vibrant citrus fruit & subtle spicy flavors derived from a custom blend of Belgian yeast strains used in its creation, and balanced by a bready malt character and subtle hop bitterness that last through to the beer’s refreshing, dry finish. Kick back and “melo” out with X-10!
Judges Review
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20