Saison Rue

The Bruery produces somewhat esoteric beers in the Los Angeles suburbs, constantly building upon an already avid, loyal following. Their Saison Rue is a year-round offering, and in keeping with the old traditions, it is unfiltered and bottle conditioned, lending the beer a uniquely complex profile that evolves with continued aging. Straight from the bottle, this is a rather hazy, pale golden beer, with sufficient natural carbonation to support a lacy, white head. Upon pouring, the beer’s aroma exhibits a faint, lactic sourness, some earthy farmhouse notes and a rather indistinct fruity character. Nick identified the fruit as fig but noted that the aroma was confounded by notes of leather and lactic acidity, while Tom detected a spicy, rye-like tinge floating over a biscuit-like malt aroma. Overall, the aromas of spice, fruit and malt presented as somewhat muddled. Initially, spicy notes of coriander and cinnamon mingled seductively with sweet malt and slightly musty flavors, but a background sourness permeated the beer as it warmed. Rick and Tim both commented on the prominent Brettanomyces (horse blanket, leather) character but noted that it subsided as the malt pushed its way through. Tim also praised the fruity fermentation character, noting that it brought the other flavors into balance. Saison Rue is a solid representative of this traditional country ale.