Judge's Review: 94 Rating - Lemon Zest Farmhouse Ale by pFriem Family Brewers

Lemon Zest Farmhouse Ale by pFriem Family Brewers​ was judged as a Fruit and Spice Beer (29B). The base style is a Saison (25B). The typical earthy aromas often found in a Saison are present in this beer. Some wheat malt sweetness is backed by a mild fruitiness. Despite the lemon zest description, it really does not come through in the aroma. The beer is straw-colored and very clear. An off-white head of fine bubbles persists on the beer forming a healthy ring around the edge of the glass. The lemon zest comes through in the flavor as a tangy quality, and the lemon zest bitterness is also quite perceptible. The malts are moderately sweet and provide a nice balance to the zesty citrus character. Yeast flavors are subtly woody and earthy. The slightly tart quality of the lemon zest carries through to the finish. The mouthfeel is creamy with just a touch of alcoholic heat and some astringency, probably from the lemon peel. The blend of yeast character and lemon zest used in moderation balance very well with the malts and the overall strength of the beer. Overall this is a beer worth recommending with enough complexity to intrigue anyone’s palate.