Ape Snake

American Wild Ale | Seasonal | United States

By Joseph Formanek

Judges Rating: 88
Aroma: 22
Appearance: 5
Flavor: 35
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 17

Prairie Artisan is renowned for brews with amazing complexity. Ape Snake, their dry-hopped Dark Farmhouse Ale, delivers on this promise to a certain extent, but less so than with other offerings. This deep brown-colored brew has a huge tan-colored head of small bubbles that maintains its presence throughout the drink in part due to the high carbonation level exhibited in this brew. The aroma delivers a lightly sour earthy funkiness with a light sweet melony citrus note in the background that is presumably due to the dry-hopping. Not much malt is evident.
While the expectation due to the appearance was that there would be a rich dark malt complexity, the appearance belies the flavor. The malt character in this brew is quite subtle, with an evident, slightly astringent Belgian Saison-like fermentation character dominating the drink. Perhaps a touch of Brett is present with a touch of sourness in the background. The middle and finish delivers a rather harsh piney character with some earthy dirtiness. The body is medium-light. The finish is appropriately dry for the style with a light touch of sweetness at the very end.
All in all, this is a decent Saison, but the complexity is lacking.