Sometimes when specialty ingredients are added to a beer, it creates an entirely new flavour profile. At other times, the new ingredients seem to latch onto and bolster the existing flavours.
One Drop’s Saison is the latter. A seven grain malt bill that includes rolled oats, wheat, and maize already sets this up with the potential to be a complex and flavourful beer. The use of Belle Saison yeast can be expected to bring spicy character to the finished product, and the Jarrylo hops might add a citrusy edge. But the recipe doesn’t stop here: orange peel, Tasmanian pepperberries, cardamom pods and peppercorns are added to the mix. Interesting additions, and yet all complementary flavours.
The champagne-like effervescence, the aroma baking spices, the sweet banana and citrus aromas. The sweet, almost candy flavour that quickly dries out and leaves a mouthful of spice. The quiet bitterness, like the last few people hanging around at the party having a serious conversation. None of these are a surprise, and yet, even in their familiarity, they whisper that this beer has received a bit of extra love.
Mick Wust
Published September 3, 2019 2019-09-03 00:00:00
