Prairie Artisan Ales - Prairie Ale

Picked up in Maine at the Whole Foods in Portland and stored in the in-laws basement for a few months. 

I think I had a few other saisons from these guys last year but didn't log them (Gold and 'Merica). I had them at the same session as some Hill Farmstead, Tired Hands and Jester King.

Slightly bretty. A bitter kick from the saaz hops. Pretty dry. Nice enough. 

Stillwater - Lower Dens

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

http://www.stillwatersensory.com/

This is supposedly a colaboration brew inspired by a song by Lower Dens (a Baltimore band). I listened to the song. Shrug (I think I had similar feelings about the Pearl Jam beer).

The beer itself is nice. A hint of fruitiness. Really balanced, maybe a hint of wheat in there. Pricey for the size (I think it was $7). Glad I had it, probably won't buy it again.

Lost Rhino - Pretty in Pink

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Not bad. Magnitudes better than the New Belgium Kriek last night. Would be a decent beer for the summer.

21st Amendment -Sneak Attack Saison

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

I still remember the first beer I had with cardamom in it (a seasonal by Magic Hat). I wasn't quite sure that I liked it. Five years later, I'm still skeptical. I'd pass (although the can art is once again fantastic).

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Green Flash - Friendship Brew

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

This is really not good. There's definitely mint and some other random spices in this. Does not work. Do not buy. 

Old Dominion - Gigi Farmhouse Ale

This was a lot sweeter than I expected. I'd pass.

Stone/Stillwater/Evil Twin - The Perfect Crime

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

A smokey, fairly bitter saison. Nothing crazy. Nice enough. I wouldn't go out of my way to get it. 

Fantome - La Dalmatienne

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Well this was interesting and somewhat unexpected. Slightly sour, a slight muskiness from brett also. I thought it had a slightly chocolate or cocoa taste to it, but Mandy said she thought it tasted smokey which is probably more accurate. Its not super smokey or anything, but its definitely noticeable. 

Goose Island - 2011 Pepe Nero

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Almost two years old at this point. I thought I had made a post earlier this year about a bottle, but I guess not? The original, not favorable review, is here.

The carbonation level on this is still crazy high. After 5 minutes or so, its settles down to the point of being drinkable without a shit ton of prickly carbonation.

I think the almost two years on this have definitely helped. I actually don't mind drinking this now. Whatever I didn't like about this before is not present now (glad I took super detailed notes before). I was afraid this might have a gross burnt bagel taste, but its fairly smooth. The peppercorns or dark malts have mellowed and the yeast comes through nicely now.

Pretty good after two years, if you're into holding onto beer for that long. 

Epic - Straight Up Saison

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

3 Stars - Urban Farmhouse

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

You can definitely tell its high alcohol. The peppercorns impart almost a smokey taste (vs. peppery). Enjoyable enough, but expensive.

Allagash at Meridian Pint

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Part of yet another DC beer week event. There was a crazy amount of Allagash on tap, including two vintages of Confluence, some barrel aged beers, one coolship beer and other beers I had not heard of.

Goulschip - on the right Definitely tart. That's all I really get. It's brewed with pumpkin and an assortment of other things, but its just tart. Definitely enoyable though. (And the first Allagash coolship beer I've had). Yakuza - on the left Tripel dry hopped with sorachi ace & cascade hops It doesn't seem as sweet as I remember their standard tripel. I didn't get too much out of the dry hopping. Nice enough. Saison Mihm - (Not Pictured) This was really enjoyable. Dry and slightly spicy. Recommended. Confuence 2011 - (Not Pictured) Something didn't come together for me on this. The brett is more pronounced, but its not as "bright" as I remembered. Maybe better fresh?

Weyerbacher - Seventeen

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Courtesy of the Newtster!

This is a "big" saison. Definitely sweet for the style, and under carbonated (for my tastes). Tastes more on the style of a tripel maybe? Not sure I would pick up more, but I certainly wouldn't turn one down.

DC Brau & Stillwater - Middle Name Danger

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

From a growler. Very tasty. Slightly bitter. A little peppery. Mabye a little sweeter than I'd like but very enjoyable.

Boulevard - Tank 7

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

A fairly hoppy and bitter saison/belgian pale ale. Easy drinking. Enjoyable enough. I'd consider getting it again.

Epic Brewing - Elder Brett

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

On the style of Sofie, except slightly tarter and the brett comes through a little more. Very enjoyable. I'd recommend it.

Stillwater - A Saison Darkly

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

After being less than satisfied with Stillwater's other dark saison's (Existent & Autumnal)and Pepe Nero, I was pleasantly surprised by this. There's a nice roasted taste, with some hard to place flavors from whatever herbs were thrown in. Enjoyable.

Stillwater - Bronze Age

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

There was something in the grain/malt bill that I didn't really like. Sort of reminiscent of a bad lager. There is a fruit smell that I can't quite place, maybe a little like a hefeweizen. I'd pass.

Stillwater Artisanal Ales - As Follows

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Yet another saison from Stillwater. Bitterness and aroma from noble hops. A slight funk to it. It was fine.

Oxbow Space Cowboy Country Ale

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Darker than expected, Nice and fruity with a strong Belgian kick in the aftertaste. Surprising that it's only 4%.