Back Street Sage On Saison

Aroma: 6 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 9

Brewed by Vista, CA location

Sampled at Stone World Bistro on tap; June 2008
Arrives a very hazy, orangish tinged, light amber color. It has barely a wisp of a head the forms a miniscule, ring of a head that is white in color. The beer is way too cold for my preferences (probably near 40°F / 4.5°C or lower). The aroma is very savory smelling with lots of sage noticeable, though it does not seem to be over-done. An earthy, herbal mix is offset by hits of orange-zest, black pepper and woody mature ginger. While the nose is definitely dominated by the sage, it works well here by providing a savory and appetizing start to the experience of this beer.

This has more carbonation to it than the head showed; it is lightly fizzy, which helps to offset the chewy body, that really doesn't provide as much sweetness as one might guess. There is enough herbal character that keeps the sweetness very light as well. What sweetness is here though accentuates a strong backbone of fruitiness that supports the leading herbal character; flavors of ripe pears, soft citrus, honeydew melon and an herbal / citrus varietal of honey are all here in the flavor. The sage of course plays a big role in the flavor (though not nearly as much as the aroma would have suggested), it is quite savory tasting, a bit herbal, definitely earthy leaning, a light fresh green note, some almost turpene like notes and something a bit like pine; basically it tastes like a nice Sage character.

This is not quite as dry, nor as light bodied as I would prefer in a Saison, but it just works here; the pronounce sage notes are nicely offset by the body and sweetness, both of which just meld together so well. Really this is a perfect appetizer and prelude to my meal.