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Tracy Hensley's picture

Chene Rustique

July, 2016
Judges Rating: 
90
Aroma: 
22 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
38 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
7 / 10
Overall Impression: 
17 / 20

A complex and mouthwatering combination of sour lactic, yogurt and soured milk aromas mingle with secondary notes of vanilla, saltines, pickle brine, and squeezed lemon juice. This wild saison has a rapid, noisy effervescence, though it barely sustains the low head sitting atop this hazy, pale amber-colored brew with orange highlights. A dominant, tart, mouth-puckering lemon warhead candy note and soured, Greek yogurt and lemon juice flavors are supported by a dry, bourbon-like, vanilla extract finish. Very high carbonation elevates the tart acidity and increases this beer's mouthwatering character without causing it to feel overly harsh or carbonic. Just a hint of lingering rubbing alcohol heat and a lingering warming sensation coats the mouth. Really missing the complex fruity, spicy, slightly hoppy character of a saison. The lip-curling blend of acidity and lactic character is accentuated by intense carbonation, though the barrel helps to slightly round out the intense acidity.