Independence Revolución

Lighter end of gold for color. I got cinnamon notes on the nose to start with a tart red apple background. Fruity tartness persists in the palate, but it is mild—nothing you’d ever be tempted to call “sour.” Thin body, semi-dry overall—both reasonable traits for a Saison. Refreshing but somewhat one-dimensional in flavor. Neither as yeast driven nor as much a showcase for European hops as it might be. Seems like a reasonable partner for Carne Asada or Tacos Al Pastor as suggested by the can copy. 

Ray Daniels is the founder and director of the Cicerone Certification Program and the author, editor or publisher of more than two dozen books on beer and brewing. Follow him on Twitter @Cicerone_org.

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Pours a little darker than straw, just shy of golden. With clove and bubblegum on the nose, the aroma seems more witbier than saison. The first sip validates that, with a clean character and a smack of wheaty tartness. Toasted sourdough is there, too, leading to a splash of citrus and mild bitterness. Far be it for me to argue against pairing it with tacos, as the can suggests. Make mine fish. 

Daniel Hartis is the editor of All About Beer Magazine.

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