Recently we reveled in the opportunity to visit Tim and his brilliant little micro-brewery in Nowra, South Coast NSW. After a chat he offered to fill my squealer up with their choice beer for the GABZ beer festival in Melbourne. As he stated a “saison aged in Shiraz wine barrels with fresh ruby red grapefruit and blood orange thrown in”. It was a resounding yes from us.
We served it in a weizen glass and the cloudy golden orange pour whipped up a frothy 2 finger head that retains. Laced well. Plenty of citric notes that help to boost that gorgeous funky sourness, which is almost a trademark of this brewery. Throw a hint of oak and vanilla for complexity and some yeasty undertones for balance and we have a highly fragrant and multi-dimensional aroma. In the mouth the sour and phenolic texture was coupled with medium carbonation. Medium bodied. Slightly sour upfront with a big smack of citric bitterness. The addition of fresh ruby red grapefruit is evident, and its absolutely delicious as it provides juicy lashes over the tongue. Hints of sour lemon, vanilla and oak are complimented with a refreshing, tart and citric finish. 6.9% ABV was well hidden and just enough to offer a nice little buzz. Excellent saison, we can see why this was their show beer for the festival. Big ups.