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Sean Coughlin's picture

X-10

August, 2015

X-10

Judges Rating: 
88
Aroma: 
21 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
36 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
8 / 10
Overall Impression: 
17 / 20

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.