Radio Silence

Loyal Readers,

I'm about to embark on a two-week trip to Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. I'll likely have limited internet access and time for blogging, but a post or two may appear if there's enough downtime.

When I return, expect the next several weeks to involve me unpacking my experiences there (through the lens of beer, of course). It should be an exciting and interesting trip!

Stay curious.

Cheers,

Brian

Beer of the Moment: Saison Dupont Cuvee Dry Hopping

Earlier this week I was visiting the Bier Stein with my parents and pondering, as usual, which beer to try. It being a mellow, bright late summer's day, I decided on a saison, and saw two promising options:

Petite Classique from Commons

and

Saison Dupont Cuvee Dry Hopping

Tasting these beers side-by-side is a crash course in the subtle differences between an excellent beer and a world-class one.

Petite Classique comes from The Commons, a Portland brewery well-versed in the art of subtle farmhouse beers. Their Urban Farmhouse is my standard for PNW saisons, and Petite Classique is another riff on the same style. It's light, slightly funky, and peppery, with a pronounced citrus character and a clean, dry finish. I'd happily recommend it to any Belgian or saison enthusiast.

However.

Dupont's offering is a joy from nose to palate, from first sip to last. It's got a bit more alcohol heft and a denser mouthfeel, and has wonderful hop flavor and aroma that expertly pairs with the malt and saison yeast to create a little worldscape all its own - a fresh, vital beer that simply and quietly demands your attention and respect.

Sadly, the keg went very quickly, and it's no longer on tap, but I'm told it can be found in bottles (along with, of course, Dupont's standard - and also revelatory - saison). Seek this beer wherever you can. It's worth it.