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Barrel Aged Saison II

Oregon
United States
Barrel Aged Saison II, pFriem Family Brewers
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
94
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Description 

Our tribute to the Saisons of old, pFriem Barrel Aged Saison II features playful aromas of pineapple, kiwi and melon, and velvety notes of grapefruit, honeydew and pear. It finishes with a snap of soft summer fruits, clean citrus pith and a lingering minerality.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.1%
IBUs: 
32
Served at: 
45 - 50º
Hops: 
German Tettnang, Motueka, Sorachi Ace
Malts: 
Gambrinus Canadian Pilsner, Weyermann Barke Pilsner, Weyermann Spelt Malt, Rahr Raw White Wheat, Rahr Raw Red Wheat
Judges Review 
David Sapsis's picture
Judges Rating:
94
Aroma:
23 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Barrel Aged Saison II by pFriem Family Brewers is being judged as BJCP category 33 A, Wood-aged beer, with the underlying style of Saison. Served in a soft-sided tall glass designed for DuPont, at 50oF.

The beer presents a light gold color, with good clarity, a fluffy fine white head with good retention, and a very, very lively conditioning -- a trademark character for Saison. 

The nose is inviting with fruit, spice, and hints of wood: a very light graininess/light malty note with a touch of sweetness, competing against some nice bright yeast esters (orange, pear) and  phenols (distinct spicy pepper), rounded out by a light oaky character, which, when combined with the phenol, fully dries out the nose. Very bright and "lively" -- just like the appearance.

The flavor starts with a lovely light bready/pils malt flavor that rounds into a mid-palate of modest bitterness and a fantastic fruit/spice dance. Fresh citrus of orange and orange peel, a dose of apple, pear, and grape-nectar character, and a really nicely expressed spicy-pepper note makes for a great balance of sweet going to fruity, then to spice and then lightly back to the faint honey-like  malt sweetness into the long finish. A tad of lingering oak and astringency is there, but it's very minor and works well in the finish. The really high conditioning harks to the very heart of the style, and is appreciated throughout the delivery of flavors and textures. All in all, the beer is dry overall, with both the firm phenolics (but not overdone, as is such a common malady) and a fairly reserved oak character, but a magical malt sweetness lingers as well, making for a delightful drink. This is a very fine Saison, with a stamp of barrel age, and it is truly delicious. I'm thinking it would make a nice complement to a rich beef stew spiced up with bay leaves and thyme.

 

 

Brewery Introduction

pFriem Brewery and its award winning tasting room is located in Hood River, OR, just south of the Washington State border and across the street from the town’s beautiful Waterfront Park. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Columbia and White Salmon rivers while savoring pFriem’s core beers and... Read More

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