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

82

Stone Brewing Company/Dogfish Head Brewery Saison du Buff

Aroma: “Lots of fresh herbs—sage is very strong, but it is hard to get anything else off of the nose. Some mild sweetness in the back. Intense herbal aroma of basil, mint, lavender, and sage.”

Flavor: “There is a bounce between the herbal sage notes and the sweetness from this beer, however the beer is left with a bitterness from the spice that takes over in the finish. Low carbonation and astringent on the finish. Crazy herbal notes—sage, juniper berry, pine taste like you’ve grabbed a bunch and rubbed it in your hands.”

Overall: “Too much sage for this one—the herbal spice took over both the nose and the flavor. Very herbal beer with lots of basil and floral notes. A genuinely crazy amount of herbs—like a very strong cup of tea with a shot of gin. Could be fun to use as a mixer in a cocktail.”

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