Iron Hill Blackberry Saison

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 10

Re-rate, July 2011: On draft again in Wilmington. This thing was just excellent, the blackberry present but much less strong than the original time I had this. Very nicely done, the saison the main feature, phenolic and peppery spices at the fore, saison character in the malt, and blackberry to accent and add a wonderfully refereshing aspect to this. A great job by IH again. Average rating between the two experiences. Original rating: On draft at the Wilmington location. The pour was burgundy purple, purple-white colored head. The aroma was strong blackberries, acetic/vinegar notes, some yeasty aspects, notably no spices. The flavor followed, strong vinegar notes with the blackberries, tart, sour, yeasty, no real saison character under it all, a pure sour beer play. Mouthfeel was acidic and somewhat light. Strong blackberries, obviously. Lacking complexity, especially the oak and tannin aspects I love in styles like these. A nice job, just not outstanding from those of its kind. (3.8 overall for this at the time)