Bomber of the Month: August
Epic Brewing Straight Up Saison
By: André DiMattia
Published: 8/7/2014
Regular Price:
$6.99
Sale Price:
$5.49
Sale End:
8/31/2014
ABV:
7
While based deeply in the long history of Belgian brewing, the Saison style is beginning to emerge on the current scene of modern brewing to great praise. The old classics of the Saison category are rustic and varied with earthy comparisons that contribute a sense of mystery to the consumer. Highly carbonated, dry on the palate and tremendously refreshing with their edge of citrus; the Belgian Saison are truly an example all their own.
The new representations sometimes only merely echo the traits found in the old world; more obvious fruit tones and while highly yeast driven, the traits are not as varied and can sometimes lack the energy and liveliness of their Belgian counterparts. Thankfully, there are some modern examples that do the Saison style justice.
Originally a Salt Lake City transplant, the Epic Brewing Company came to Denver to open a second home that has quickly become a new city staple. Showcasing a staggering degree of different options that range from the bold and barrel aged to the basic and simplistic all while achieving a sincere level of enjoyment. With an understanding of proper restraint and titling their rendition appropriately; Epic's Straight Up Saison is a no nonsense take on the style.
On to the Tasting Notes:
Delicate aromas of ripe pears and green apples jump from the bottle once the beer is opened. The distinct Saison yeast traits are inviting with zesty freshness and hold just the slightest edge of tropical comparisons. Hoppy levels are at a minimum but herbal tones are still apparent and only add to the bright and green tone of the beer. While obviously modern, Straight Up has a tame presence of simplicity that doesn't attempt to change the fundamentals.
Grapes and shaved lemon zest are welcomed with the first sip. Fully carbonated with high energy, the bubbles help enforce the rich fruit qualities that were apparent on the aroma. Honeydew, dried apple chips, golden raisins and overripe banana are all merged together to create a lingering flavor that borders on rich but never ends too sweet. As much as the semi-sweet fruit flavors that are tasted, the beer transitions near the finish into a sensation full of peppery and somewhat woody attributes. The spicy grains of paradise and heady coriander fragrance fill the senses at the tail end of the sip that leave an interesting contrast to how the flavor range began. Just the slightest bit earthy, the beer isn't overly drying nor full of heavy bread notes; it’s a direct and truly 'Straight Up' sort of Saison experience.
Food Pairing:
Having a large range of fruit flavors, this Saison can find a place with delicate fare or act as an accent for the more intense sort of meals. Fresh noodles tossed with garden fresh tomatoes, grilled squash, pecorino cheese and basil leaves would be a blissful way to celebrate the height of summer. Poached fish and fennel, blackened jerk chicken and lemons, garlic and olives sautéed with fresh green beans; Saison is a friend for those flavors that have eccentric distinctions that boarder on the unique. Washed rind and extra aged Gouda style cheeses could work wonders with the pear and pepper notes from the beer. The simple things can sometimes be the most rewarding.