Boy do I have a very special week lined up for you all this week. For the first time in quite a while, I have a co-host (Mr. Tim Pratt) joining me to get us through a week’s worth of sessions. We may even do something a little above and beyond for you – so stay tuned. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, though, we’ll be focusing solely on the Saison. This is a style that is quickly becoming one of my top three favorites. Really? Top three? Yes. Here are only a couple reasons: (a) they just taste really great and can be quite refreshing, and (b) you will find through the course of this week’s sessions that these beers are about as different from each other as they can be. Now, don’t get me wrong…all share the basic foundation, which is a slightly funky yeast component that is Belgian tasting through and through. With this first beer, the Saint SomewhereSaison Athene, you get the traditional vibrant (yet surprisingly clear) straw color. You’re also able to pull out a very good amount of effervescence and soft soapy head. But the real joy in this bottle comes in the taste. There is a great deal of spice (black peppercorns and chamomile) that accompanies the always lovable brettanomyces funk; again, very similar in taste to the Boulevard Saison Brett. Overall, this very small brewery from Tarpon Springs, Florida has created one of the more pleasurable Saisons I’ve had so far. Up next: Dupont Avec les Bons Voeux.
Check out all sessions of The Hopry here.
This beer can be found in these states.
On the iPod: Fleet Foxes “Mykonos”
Brewery: Saint Somewhere
Beer: Saison Athene
Style: Saison
Location: Tarpon Springs, Florida
ABV: 7.5%
Rating: 95/100
Thank you for your continued support. Please tell a friend…
Posted by Barleywhiner on May 17, 2010 at 8:30 AM
I’ve been meaning to try this beer. Now I’m sold.
Posted by builderofcoalitions on May 17, 2010 at 9:30 AM
I’m right with Barleywhiner on this one. I’ve decided Saisons are the new summer beer. (One grows tired of anything wheat in Missouri.)
Also, perfect match with the Fleet Foxes’ track.
Posted by thehopry on May 17, 2010 at 10:56 AM
Agree on the wheat comment. I drank Boulevard Wheat for so long that it’s very hard to drink it now. I know it’s good, but…
Posted by theReaper16 on May 17, 2010 at 11:56 AM
1.) Is this available in MO?
2.) Yay! for the Shatto milk bottle.
3.) YAY! for Saison week!
Posted by thehopry on May 17, 2010 at 4:02 PM
1. Yes – anywhere Shelton Brothers distributes.
2. Love Shatto milk, too.
3. We’re lucksacks, though I have a feeling you won’t dig the Fantôme review the most.
Posted by theReaper16 on May 17, 2010 at 11:19 PM
RE: #3 – I am assuming that means you scored Fantome below 90. Possible explanations: your bottle came from a lackluster batch, which happens from time to time with such an artisinal, temperamental product, or you had some palate fatigue from drinking two beers before delving into the Fantome.
Posted by Bob Lorber on May 17, 2010 at 8:31 PM
Bob Sylvester ROCKS!!!! Try the Saint Somewhere Pays du Soleil
Posted by Big Mike on May 22, 2010 at 7:37 PM
Great review! After watching I went out and picked up a bottle. I’ll let you know my thoughts on it.
Cheers!
Big Mike