Style: Saison

ABV: 7.5 IBU: 24.0

89/100
Aroma: 10
Appearance: 3
Flavor: 18
Mouthfeel: 5

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company Ovila Abbey Saison

What the brewers say

An homage to the monks’ noble work, this farmhouse ale is complex with notes of lemon, pepper, straw, and herbs balanced by the tang of mandarin oranges and a spicy kick of pepper.

What our panel thought

Aroma: “Strong aromas of fresh-cracked black pepper and cloves balanced by sweet citrus. Light caramel malt sweetness with subtle solvent and light phenolic character. Some interesting esters of pear and ripe apple.”

Flavor: “A good balance of fruit with spicy pepper notes. Peppercorns continue through from the aroma. Lemony sweetness with soft malt sweetness and moderate bitterness from earthy hops. Medium body with high carbonation. A touch of tartness offers brightness in the dry, slightly warm finish.”

Overall: “A nicely spiced example of a saison. Flavor profile is good with some lingering off notes in the aroma. Fruity, spicy, and dry. Complex character makes this a very enjoyable if, perhaps too-young, beer.”

What our editors thought

Review printed in: The Summer of Saison (Summer 2014) (View All Issues)


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**Aroma:** “A healthy blend of saison fruity esters (lemon, apple), light peppery spice, and sweet peach. Medium earthy hops aroma. Floral esters (geranium). Light citrus ester notes.” **Flavor:** “Heavy peach up front, as if I bit into a ripe one in the middle of August. The saison flavors emerge as the peach fades, with a noticeable peppery character and pleasant lemony ester. The peach comes back in the aftertaste, but is just subtle enough to encourage another sip. Perhaps a little sweet or heavy on the body for a saison, but overall tasty.” **Overall:** “Good peach saison—big peach notes, classic black pepper with light esters, a bit of bitterness, and a moderately dry finish. An easy-drinking summer beer that’s a bit on the sweet side with a strong balancing bitterness. A solid combination of a well-crafted saison with choice selection of peach. Could finish drier for even better drinkability. Having said that, I liked it. I want to drink all of this.”

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