New Belgium Saison

It's hard to resist the New Belgium fall seasonal sampler. 5 different beers for $11.99, 2 each each of Ranger, Rampant, Fat Tire and 1554, and 4 of Saison. I enjoy the first two, can tolerate (but don't love) the next two, and haven't had Saison in many years. yay, a new beer for here! And it's they're only $1 each. Woo Hoo! So, have I had this saison before? Yes, way back in November of 2006, almost eight years ago, from a trade with a fellow BeerAdvocate, and here come the notes....


Lightly hazed, pale straw yellow appearance, short-lived, slim white head.

Tart nose at first sniff, spicy and spunky. Has the whiff of the hayhouse in it. Delightful, if restrained, but, then, this isn't an all-out funky saison, so I can see how they'd what to tame it some.

On the tongue, light fruit, definite citrus, lemon and orange, with apricot and peach, and plentiful spice, a bit of ginger, some coriander and cardamom, maybe...tangy yeast leads to festivities, and tasty hops, as well. Dry, toasty malt base.

Medium bodied, nice spice and fruit in the finish, a delightful fandango on the tongue, and a very accessible saison. Coluld be drier, could be spicier, could be this and that, but it's not bad at all. In fact, I like it.