Saison is a beer style without bounds. While all styles will show some variability from beer to beer and brewer to brewer, there is so much variation among saisons that the determination of a style can become almost meaningless. The colors range from pale yellow to dark orange. Some display intense, yeast-derived fruitiness, while others veer toward a spicy, phenolic yeast character. Some have a wild yeast funk while others do not. This one finishes bone dry, but that one is sweet and sugary. It is truly a style that is hard to pin down.

Sofie from Chicago’s Goose Island Beer Co. is one of the more delicate saisons I have tasted. A blend of 80% fresh beer and 20% wine barrel aged beer fermented with wild yeast, it is a complex but subtle dance of velvety malt, dainty fruits, and tart acidity. Here’s my notes:

Sophie
Goose Island Beer Co., Chicago, Illinois
Style: Saison
Serving Style: 650 ml Bottle

Aroma: Delicate and subdued. Light wine-like fruit and leathery funk. Bready malt with the signature Belgian saison yeast character.

Appearance: Pale yellow and clear. Fluffy white head with average retention. It maintained film on surface and left lace on the glass.

Flavor: Flavors are as delicate as the aroma. Pineapple, apple, and lemon citrus fruitiness. A light acidic tartness that comes through especially in the finish. Acidity and fruit reminds me of Lemondrops. Very subtle white wine character. The velvety, bready malt is balanced by black pepper hops and moderate bitterness. Belgian saison yeast phenolics. It finishes dry with lingering acidity.

Mouthfeel: Velvety and smooth. Light body, but with rich malt character. Medium carbonation.

Overall Impression: A delicate, subtle beer. Nicely done. The light, bright fruitiness is amplified by lingering tart acidity. Wild yeast may come through more strongly with some age, but right now the refreshing tartness is the only sign. And that’s okay. Would go well with brie cheese or a lighter white fish.