Oddwood Ales Saison
What the brewers say
“Fermented entirely in oak barrels with a magical blend of Belgian and Brettanomyces yeasts. Months of aging lend this ale its soft notes of tropical fruit, wine-soaked oak, and glorious funk.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Big peach with some wet-dog Brett funk in the background. Earthy, almost woody, aroma. Moderate tart notes up front with orange and Brett.”
Flavor: “Peach dominates with slight Brett funk in the background but the acidity dominates. Dry flavor profile with high raspberry fruitiness that pushes almost to astringency. Aftertaste is tart and long lasting with peach-skin and raspberry notes. Tons of juicy stone-fruit flavors (overripe apricots and nectarines) with a subtle tartness that cuts through the fruit character. Balance is a bit toward the dry side, but not bone-dry, which keeps it refreshingly drinkable.”
Overall: “This is like a greatest hits of everything I look for in a mixed-fermentation saison. Complex ester profile, subtle phenolics, restrained acidity but still very present, great mouthfeel and perfect balance. Only potential gripe could be the lack of 'funk' but still plenty of other Brett character. Seek this out.”
