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Brewery and Country of Origin: Harpoon Brewery of 306 Northern Avenue, Seaport District, Boston, MA 02210, USA

Date Reviewed: *************-17

This review is on hold.
Date Sampled: 3-05-16 At: 7 Priscilla Road, Brighton, Boston, MA 02135
Beer Style: Keller Bier
Alcohol by Volume: 6.10%
Serving Type: 22 oz Bottle, 16 oz Tumbler Glass
Rating: 3.28

Look

This Keller lager pours moderately smoothly with a medium low amount of carbonation action, producing a thin quarter inch tall foam head with a mostly white color, a medium density, and an average retention rate. This beer has a pale golden colored glow and includes a high amount of very fine floating sediment which occludes any present shine in light. This beer has a low amount of effervescent effect showing, no cascading or settling, and displays a moderate amount of lacing on the glass.

Aroma

Nordic Saison's aroma is hop oriented that contains a good amount of floral hoppy notes with a good amount of yeast notes including sweet banana and clove. This is balanced with a noticeable presence of sweet grassy like pale malt. Also present is a small amount of honey adding sweetness to an overall fruity and delicately floral aroma. This beer contains a solid array of buttery hops which deliver a hint of citrus and lemon. This beer's aroma is fairly strong overall and helps to accentuate this beer's flavor.

Feel

This is a medium light bodied brew with a fairly crisp and refreshing overall feel. This beer contains an average amount of carbonation, a lower weight, and a low viscosity, making this beer easy to drink and a good non-light beer that feels as such. This beer finishes very dry with a slight cooling effect at the close and a tiny amount of alcoholic bite at the end. This beer is very refreshing and can be enjoyed around the calendar, but goes best during the warmer months of late spring to early fall.

Taste

This beer has a complex flavor overall which includes a strong amount of citrusy and herbal hops as well as conditioned floral notes. A good amount of sweet banana and honey balances well. There are some spicy anise and clove notes coming from the yeast ingredients as well as a grassy undertone. This beer contains a small amount of alcohol in the bitter hoppy aftertaste which follows a dry finish. Mostly pale grains define this beer's malt flavors.

Our Take

Despite the fact that this beer's IBU is listed as 30, you should expect a thorough amount of hop character in both the flavor and the aroma. The Nordic Saison pairs well with cream based pasta dishes with poultry, leafy green salads, and Short Bread Girl Scout Cookies.