Brasserie Du Bocq ‘1858’ Saison

Rating:

“Unfiltered blonde beer with a touch of wheat and a strong bitterness. Brewed the good old way, it is very refreshing. The only Saison beer produced in the region of Namur! The foam and bubbles are delicate and fine. Balance is the key word for this beer. It shifts between floral aromas, lime, a little broom and a lace mouth, but is robust at the same time. Refreshing as hell, this beer takes us back in time.”

Glassware: Trappist tulip.

Appearance: Slightly hazy straw yellow complexion with a gigantic four finger head which slowly deconstructs. It leaves an absolute smattering of lace as it subsides.

Aroma: Really light and refreshing notes of zesty citrus i.e lime, lemon sorbet and subtle grapefruit/rind straight off the bat. Fruity herbals like lemongrass, freesia and lemon verbena, wheat grains, hay and straw, hints of black pepper and musty farmyard in support. As it settles the different variants of lemon (candy, juice, sorbet and rind) really begin to take shape. Very conventional Saison and we love it.

Flavour: While there’s an overall dryness to it the intensity of the citrus, herbals and orchard fruits almost trick the brain into thinking it’s heavier than it really is. The savoury wheat grains, slightly bready malts and spice swirl around while the kinda floral and earthy/musty notes develop late and shift into the light and zesty finish.

Mouthfeel: Fairly light on and mineraly. There’s a nice spritzy Co2 and the 6.4% ABV is nicely poised.

Overall: This is end to end classic Saison. Maybe with a touch of Witbier but in texture only. We couldn’t think of a better beer to match this unseasonably warm spring-like weather. World class stuff.