“Our saison is brewed using pilsner malt, unmalted rye and raw wheat and in conjunction with natural carbonation in the keg, pours a lovely golden straw colour with a soft, pillowy head. By combining 2 saison yeast strains, Constant State has a very aromatic & complex flavour profile of pear & citrus balanced with peppery/earthy notes. These flavours are complimented by the use of New World European hops late in the brew to enhance the fruity & floral flavours.”

Glassware: Teku.

Appearance: Slightly hazy sandy yellow with a creamy white head which swells to two fingers before receding. Excellent retention and lace work as we go.

Aroma: It’s got a real conventional quality to it. Heady wafts of brett and farmyard funk lift out of the glass with sturdy support from fresh lemon juice, lime zest, peppery spice, hay/straw, orchard fruits and delicate yeast esters. The malt bill is super grainy… spearheaded by wheat, subtle honey, crackers and spicy rye. Just a touch of Angostura bitters here too. Really digging this.

Flavour: The main thing that hits us first is the overall dryness. Traditional Saison’s are quite dry but this one is as dry as a desert. Picking up subtle champagne-esque tones initially which fold into the grainy wheat and peppery rye malts. It hits a rather earthy note midway as dried grass, hay and straw carry it forward into a bone dry finish where we finally get a glimpse of old lemon rind/zest.

Mouthfeel: Dry, grassy and almost nitrous. Nicely tempered Co2, mild-medium body. Only 4.7% ABV so the booze plays a very minor role.

Overall: This is our first crack at this Melbournian brewery. We like the look of them, we’re digging the whole old meets new vibe they’re bringing. While this Saison didn’t blow us away in the end we can see what they’re trying to do and we’ll be keen to give them another run. Not bad.