I have found a new style in my quest for rare styles: a black smoked Saison.  Traditional Saisons,
or Farmhouse Ales  were brewed in French farms during winter months to be imbibed during the long, hot été days. The style almost faded away but has since been revived by many US breweries. It is
typically fruity, spicy, earthy and perfect during the summer. This particular one was a gift and is not
offered by ABC, yet. It is a three way collaboration between Evil Twin, Stillwater, and Stone breweries called “The Perfect Crime.” I do enjoy a good smoked beer as well as the style itself.

Appearance

Pouring it chilled in my Dogfish Head IPA glass. It is a nice espresso brown with a sticky tan head. The etching on the bottom of the glass produces the infinite cascading bubbles effect.

Smell

Fruity and spicy with a mild tartness. There is a faint smokiness in the back.

Taste

Smoky malts, a little chalky, roasty, char, blackberry juice tartness on the tongue. Spicy rye-like hops build up after a few sips. Yeast pokes its head up here and there.

This is a very good brew. The Saison itself is suppressed a little by the char. I can taste it under the curtain of smoke but that is what makes it the perfect crime. Look for Ommegang Hennepin, a fantastic Farmhouse Ale, as well as Saison Dupont, Brooklyn Sorachi Ace, Dogfish Head Noble Rot, Great Divide Collette Ale (another fabulous one), and Tarpon Srings's Saint Somewhere Lectio Divina  and Saison Athene (drink local) at select ABCs.

Adam Shugan, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Beer Consultant - Archer Road, Gainesville

Follow him on Twitter @abcbeeradams