Introduction

Far away in the northlands exists a brewery that has graced the Craft Club a few times now, because they keep putting out consistently tasty and fascinating brews. Anchorage Brewing Company is the child of Gabe Fletcher and Bart Chelmo, started in 2013 and gaining steam across the globe as their beers make waves from coast to coast. Their taproom is open limited hours, but long enough to get your little feet down to the end of King Street in Anchorage and grab a six. With over fifty lifetime beers produced, they will have something for you to sip. Anchorage Brewing’s take on the saison drives deep into the acidic, spicy character of the style and serves up a beer with a taste like a whip-crack. Evolving and robust, the Sauvin has come to win it all with citrus flavours and classic saison barnyard character. Serves well at 10°C and can cellar for up to six months.

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How it looks

Pours as pale as lemon in a glass of water with excited carbonation and only the barest whisper of a head that turns into memory.

How it smells

A combination of sweet honeydew melon tones and simple spices at first sniff, but backed up with the leathery barnyard scent well-known to the saison. As it warms the fruit opens up in scent and some vanilla comes through.

How it tastes

Lemon and spice comes out first and foremost in this taste, with an acidic bite that wakes up the palate with a blast. It quickly changes into a sweeter fruit combination of melon, grapefruit and vanilla, along with a rich floral taste as though an orchid has landed on your tongue. The swallow snaps open another set of flavours as the saison’s barn character arrives, showing the taste of leather and a touch of flannel. All in all a great performance of flavour and character.

Recommended food pairing

With a beer this acidic and tangy, get into a mild cheese plate with a healthy smattering of nuts and cured meats.