“Prairie Standard is our everyday beer. Its a light, crisp saison with a hoppy finish. This beer is dry hopped 1lb per bbl with Motueka hops. A lovely New Zealand hop with a spicy lime like flavor and aroma.”
Due to a recent shipment of Prairie Ales to our foreign shores bottle shops and craft beer lovers alike have been in a frenzy trying to buy up before they all sell out. Thankfully we got in quick as anything from this American breweries range is rare down under and not to be missed. Served in a wide-rimmed tulip glass. The pale straw yellow pour builds a frothy two finger head that rapidly shrinks down to a thin sheet with reasonable lace trailing behind it. Instantly the olfactory’s are energized by a lovely fusion of funky yeast and fruity hops. Plenty of that sweet and artificial banana and bubblegum that’s working well in to the refreshing lemon and lime, resulting in a lifted and very summery character. Some subtle barnyard notes, spices and apple/pear also offer another level of light, dry funkiness. Maybe a hint of apricot as it begins to warm. Very nice. A somewhat mineraly texture in the mouth. Not overly dry and the acidity is quite mild. Co2 is vibrant and the body is light-medium. She’s pretty palatable. It kind of has that homemade lemon soda flavour to it upfront. Musty notes of hay and wheat are introduced as the mid turns on a gentle bitterness. A soft peppery spice develops before a dry and dusty finish completes it. The hop bitterness holds a tight grip on the back palate displaying some decent length. What we love about Saisons is their versatility. This drop could be drunk all year round but for maximum enjoyment crack one in the warmer months by the pool….or the barby….or even in one hand while the other is in the water getting munched by a massive catfish as the label suggests. Either way it’s tough not to like. Solid offering.