Miller High Life is definitely not the first thing I think of when a dapper gentleman in a full tuxedo requests the “champagne of beers”.  If there is cause for celebration among my beer-drinking buddies, a saison is popped, poured, and savored. 

Saisons are a delicious, spicy, and refreshing alternative to the boring old pale ale.  A saison should be served in a tulip; you’ll see a beautiful golden color and a thick, fluffy head.

Saisons are traditionally referred to as farmhouse ales – Belgian farm workers would drink up to 5 liters a day for calorie consumption and to stay hydrated (though part of me thinks it was to keep the morale high).  The saison is not very similar to other Belgian styles of beer – extra hops were originally added to preserve the beer during the warmer harvesting seasons, and the recipe stuck.

Though traditionally low in alcohol (usually between 4% and 7%), something about the carbonation and unique flavor makes me feel all wiggly inside.  Saison Dupont, Fantôme Hiver, Jolly Pumpkin Bam Bière, and Ommegang Hennepin are fairly easy to track down in your local craft beer retailer. 

It’s been about a year since I’ve had it, but the Fantôme Hiver has resonated as one of the best saisons I’ve ever had.  I remember sour and lemony notes with a noticeable spice (almost peppery).  Like any saison it was light/golden in color with a white fluffy head, but lots of sediments floated throughout.  It is only available for a few months, and I’ve been trying to track down this year’s batch to see how it compares to my fading memory of this exceptional beer.

I apologize for today’s total tangent…

If you live in Florida, a can’t miss event is happening on March 10th at the Cigar City Brewery in Tampa – Hunahpu’s Day!  Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout is brewed once and year and is sold only on March 10th in limited quantities.  Expect a post detailing the awesomeness of the adventure (and of course the beer) later than the 14th of March.

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If you’ve had it, how does the Bam Bière from Jolly Pumpkin rate in your beer book?  What’s your favorite Saison?  What’s your favorite style of beer?

I’m not sure if it’s the beautiful weather we’ve been having, or if I’m becoming a lady, but my latest obsession is Shipyard’s Applehead Ale. 

In time, you will learn that I do not drink the “girly beers.”  I’m a tried and true hophead with a passion for anything imperial, multifaceted, and sometimes a little bacon-y.  Lambic to me means sour, not sweet, and blonde is a beer not a hair color.

 So why then do I choose to make my first ever blog entry about a beer that hardly represents me?

Because – when it comes to beer, I can admit when I’m wrong.  I’m not too cool to like a popular beer, a girly beer, a manly beer, or a cider.  Building a pallet for beer is a journey of tasting and retasting (and retasting, and retasting…) and I’m happy to oblige.

Shipyard Applehead Ale is reminiscent of their Pumpkinhead Ale.  The same spices are used in both batches, but one simple and successful substitution occurs – remove the pumpkin and replace it with apple! You should expect an amber color with light carbonation with minimal head.  According to the kind bartenders at Shipyard Emporium in Winter Park, the apple flavor is concocted completely through the expert brew masters’ imagination– no real apples are used in the brewing process!

This beer is best enjoyed fresh from the tap (if you can find it), but is also available in a 6-pack.  Drink it outside, preferably during work or school hours - it’s a great beer to have while playing hooky.

Give Shipyard Applehead Ale a taste soon!  It’s seasonal and will only be around for a limited time; Get your fill before it’s too late!

To the readers –

Feedback is something I’m a fan of, sooooooo…..

Assignment number one:  What beer do you want me to drink and review? Are there any bars you’ve been dying to go to but don’t know if they live up to the hype?  What’s your favorite beer?  Finally, what do you think of Shipyard Applehead Ale?