Sierra Nevada New Clairvaux Petit Syrah Barrel-Aged Ovila Saison

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

this was the "coolest" of the new/rare SN beers, if not the best. started out great, with a sour punch in the nose and flavor with only a hint of the saison (a great brew) that it once was. the finish was completely different...all wine-like grapes and more sweet than sour. Soooo cool. But then, after the first sip, the amazing complexity faded. We had another glass to be sure :) but the initial punch was never there again. Still drank very nicely, the only knock being a little too much carbonation. Otherwise a good, unique brew.

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 7

Tasted at the 6th Annual Bistro Barrel Aged Beer Fest on 11/12/2011. This wild ale pours a light gold color from the tap. Small to medium sized white foamy head. The aroma is fruity and sweet, spicy and woody. A medium to light bodied wild ale. The malts are fruity and sweet. The hops are herbal and spicy. Good carbonation. Nice oak flavors, hints of the Petit Syrah are present, but mainly in the background. The beer still has that saison like quality to it, but there is definitely the barrel age and grape thing going on here as well. Mouthfeel is full and round. Finish is clean and smooth. Aftertaste is slightly bitter.