Have I set up a saison category? I can't keep up with these things but if I did create a new category for these posts I would want it to be saison. I was sure it was going to be the next big thing back around 2005 but adding hops to the hops that just had been added to the hoppy beer seemed to be the way to go. Yet, in these troubled times, couldn't a simple pale ale with plenty of grainy appled pale malt goodness with a hint of white pepper in with the cream yeast be what we are looking for after all?

Clipper City Brewing of Baltimore thought it was just the thing, adding this saison to its Heavy Seas lineup. This 7.5% ale pours a light gold with a whack of floaties under egg white clinging foam. Bubblegum and banana on the snort. A nice lemon tang with some green grass, a bit of wheaty cream and a hint of nutmeg and white pepper along with the golden delicious apple malt. Not tremendously complex but thoughtful, balanced and refreshing. Fairly generous BAer support but I might be a notch more approving.