New Belgium French Oak Saison

20171121:
This beer had a pungent smell, but it tasted good. I was expecting a different taste from a saison; this one had a sour taste. I enjoyed it. 10:19PM PT

New Belgium French Oak Saison - full glass

[20171205 Edit]

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New Belgium French Oak Saison

Relevant Links:
French Oak Saison (New Belgium Website)
New Belgium French Oak Saison (RateBeer.com)
French Oak Saison | New Belgium Brewing (BeerAdvocate.com)

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New Belgium French Oak Saison - lacing / empty glass

Website Information:

FRENCH OAK SAISON
BARREL-AGED SOUR FARMHOUSE ALE

To understand "Belgian-style beer" is to understand Belgium's nuanced regions and historical past. To the north, we have Flanders, a region invaded and occupied by many foreign powers over hundreds of years, known for everything from white beer to oak-aged sour brown ales.

To the south, we have Wallonia, a region known for its rich farmland, industrial coalfields, French culture and farmhouse ales like Biere de Garde and saison. Our French Oak Saison pulls inspiration from both regions by marrying a dry, hop-forward Wallonia-style saison with a golden ale soured in French oak foeders for 15 to 18 months -- a method derived from Flanders. The rye and spelt grains in the saison contribute to a medium-light body while the Huell Melon and Tettnang hops give aromas of honeydew and white pepper.

The result is a rustic, goldenrod yellow saison offering pleasant lemon and white grape aromas and a bright, mouthwatering sourness with a clean, dry finish.

A true blending of inspirations.

TASTING NOTES
VISUAL Goldenrod yellow, medium sheen, moderated white foam.
AROMA A mix of balanced aromas: lemons and phenolic, mild white grape, white pepper, and coriander. Light tropical fruit and floral. Bread dough and stone fruit with a smidge of isoamyl acetate, bretta, grassy and pine.
FLAVOR Sweet with a surprisingly strong sour initially that fades but lingers slightly. Light bitterness.
MOUTHFEEL Smooth but puckering and mouthwatering.
BODY Medium-light body, astringent finish.

BEER FACTS
ABV 7.5
IBU 23
YEAST Hybrid saison yeast
HOPS Nugget, Tattnang, Huell Melon
MALTS Pale, rye, spelt