Hilliard's Saison

A big white fluffy head stands tall atop this hazy, light-orange beer. The foam dissipates rather quickly into a lingering creamy ring. White pepper and coriander combine with a light citric acid note that almost stings the nostrils. Some alcohol and low levels of wheat malt linger in the background. Other than the rather nondescript citrus, no other esters are perceived. The flavor provides more of a sour lemon and tangerine aspect, reminiscent of kumquats. Candy-like sweetness overtakes the tartness. Some of the spice may be hop-derived but no other flavor hops are found. The hop bitterness is low but the acidity, spice and higher carbonation levels help to keep the sweetness from taking control. A little wheaty malt makes an appearance along with some alcohol as the beer finishes more to the sweet side. Medium-light in body, the beer is highly carbonated but not to the point of being effervescent -- as is often found in a Saison. The sweetness coats the mouth but is scrubbed out by the acidity and spice, leaving you with an awareness of the alcohol warmth and hinting, like most good Belgian beers, that the gravity may be higher than the flavor had revealed. Effervescent carbonation, increased complexity and a dry finish would have been welcomed, but overall I found this to be an interesting interpretation of the style.