Saison de Rose

Saison de Rose is an Oak Barrel-Aged Farmhouse Ale with Fruit and Spices, judged as BJCP Category 33A, Wood-Aged Beer.

This beer begins with an acidic aroma with notes of lighter fruits and low spiciness. After a while in the glass, a low oak aroma is more obvious. It is copper and hazy in appearance with a moderate white head. The flavor is refreshingly tart and dry throughout. Still, it’s only lightly bitter, but possible tannins help create the classic dryness akin to that found in many farmhouse ales. Again, the fruitiness is lighter in character, but the spiciness is more distinctly herbal in flavor.

There’s a nice pucker in the finish, accentuated by the high attenuation and dryness. This beer is highly carbonated with a medium mouthfeel, both contributing to its refreshing character, though it doesn’t take too long in the glass for it to lose carbonation and feel damp. The oak character is so mellow and nicely done, which allows this beer overall to possess excellent harmony. It tastes “old world,” which is a genuine compliment.