Matt’s Burning Rosids Imperial Cherrywood Smoked Saison
From Stone Brewing Co. – Life is extraordinarily precious, joyous…and fragile. At Stone, we recently were reminded of this when we lost our dear friend and coworker, Matt Courtright. We felt that there was no better way to share with the world what an extraordinary person he was than by brewing this beer he created. Rather than a somber momento, please think of this as a celebration of Matt. We do. We can’t contemplate it any other way. Matt was by no means a shrinking violet. Quite the contrary. He was exuberant, courageous, outwardly positive, and the type of stalwart friend everybody who knew him was happy to have in their corner. Matt’s smile and voluminous laugh were infectious mainstays around the brewery. He was larger than life in every way…and he was without a doubt an incredible brewer.
Everyone at Stone recognized Matt’s prowess and passion for brewing. He loved to explore what-ifs and why-nots. He crafted the beer you hold in your hands, which he conceived with Stone friend and colleague, Brian Bishop. Burning Rosids is a Belgian-style saison incorporating a unique ingredient-cherrywood smoked malt (the name references the rosid plant family from which cherry trees hail).
Stone Brewing Co. – Matt’s Burning Rosids Imperial Cherrywood Smoked Saison – Poured into a goblet 10.5% abv.
Appearance: Pours a brilliant clear copper. Starts with a big sudsy head that subsides to a film.
Aroma: Big fruity spicy belgian yeast nose. As it warms up a equal amount of smokey malt.
Taste: Fruity spicy white wine-like Belgian ale. Big spicy Euro hops. Very sweet malt to balance the spice and bitterness. Smoked malt takes a back seat. Perhaps that will change with time. The alcohol is very apparent on this guy.
Mouthfeel: Full bodied, peppery carb. On the smooth side still.
Overall: This is a big ass beer. I suggest cellaring a few to see how it evolves. This is a very classy tribute, and I hope Matt is up above watching everyone remembering him with this beer.
