Sierra Nevada Ovila Saison With Mandarin Orange & Peppercorns

From Sierra Nevada Brewing – An homage to the monk’s noble work, this unique farmhouse ale is incredibly complex with notes of lemon, pepper, straw and herbs balanced by the tang of Mandarin oranges and a spicy kick of pepper. The Mandarin oranges used to make this beer were locally grown, including a portion grown on the grounds of the Abbey of New Clairvaux and picked by hand by the community of monks living there. We hope you enjoy this collaboration ale.

Sierra Nevada Brewing – Sierra Nevada Ovila Saison With Mandarin Orange & Peppercorns – 12 oz. bottle poured into a goblet. 7.5% abv.

Appearance:  Pours clear copper with a dense creamy cap of white foam.

Aroma:  Citrus essence, spices, fruity floral Belgian yeast, peppercorns.

Taste:  Fruity sweetness, bitter earthy Euro hops. Spicy yeast with some metallic notes. Finishes with long earthy bitterness from hops and yeast. The Mandarin orange definitely pops out as this warms up.

Mouthfeel:  Full bodied, active carbonation.

Overall:  A solid offering, but not my bag. For my tastes, it wasn’t dry enough, and was a bit too bitter to be refreshing, which is my favorite quality in a Saison. Definitely worth trying.