In a blind tasting by BJCP trained experts, this beer rated

89

North Coast Brewing Company Le Merle

Aroma: “Spicy notes present with sweetness of malt and orange fruitiness. A hint of lemony tartness and some tropical fruit character. Some herbal notes that work well with the fruit. Not much yeast character.”

Flavor: “Malt sweetness up front. Sweet, maybe even too sweet, but sweetness was well balanced with acidity, hops, and carbonic bite. Mild hop character, earthy and lemony, with excellent yeast esters. Wish it were more carbonated.”

Overall: “Love the fruitiness and balance. A good beer, but really under-carbonated—not enough to carry the aromas and flavors. Could benefit from a little more complexity of flavors. Would work better as a tripel than as a saison.”

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