Got Something to Celebrate?
Written: Apr 14 '00 (Updated Apr 17 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: A terrific thirst-quencher with lots of flavor
Cons: Too tart for some
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| beerfly's Full Review: Saison Dupont |
It's just not right that this beer's so good. When something's this good we tend to make a big deal out of it, save it for special occasions, break it out for celebrations. Pull out that big bottle of Saison Dupont in the back of the fridge, honey, and pop that cork!
That's why I was so happy to see this devastatingly luscious Belgian saison available in 12 oz. bottles. Even though they're still more than a standard cold'n'frosty (at about $3 a bottle), a 12 oz. size means it's much easier to talk yourself into enjoying this spicy little number any time you feel like it.
That's just what I did last night. The wife and I were stripping wallpaper in the kitchen, and after about an hour she said "Beer time?" I opened the conveniently close fridge, took a look over the variety awaiting sampling later this weekend, and grabbed the Dupont. I poured it into two tall and narrow tumblers (Bios brewery glasses, one of my favorite glasses for light-colored, high-fizz beers) and we sipped as we stripped. Wallpaper, that is.
Saison is a style that is all too rare in the world, and mainly exists only in Belgium, though I've had a few good U.S. versions (The Rock Bottom in Bethesda, MD, does a great one). It's quite crisp, with a light-colored apricot hue, and sports a towering, creamy-white 'rocky' head, looking something like a cauliflower.
Saison Dupont has a spicy, tingly aroma and flecks of yeast and other mung in the billowy head. Dig your nose into it and sip, and you'll find a bitterly stinging beer, with the sharp cut of white grapefruit zest tempered by a spicy background. Little layers of flavors float through -- white pepper, crackers, citrus, and a surprising flip of Goldings hops. The finish almost, almost puckers your tongue.
I used to work with a Southern woman who described those flavors that are wonderfully tart by saying "ooooo, that makes my glands squeeze!", tapping her cheeks just ahead of the eardrums. Whoo, my glands were squeezing last night. Great stuff, this Dupont. Not for the type that likes a lot of hops, or even for those who like a lot of malt, but perfect for the adventurous or those with a deep thirst for refreshment.
I would pair this up with a powerful cheese and crackers or bread, but not fruit. It just might go nicely with fried chicken, too. You'll find Saison Dupont at finer beer stores, or you can check the U.S. importer's website at www.belgianexperts.com.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
beerfly
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Member: Lew Bryson
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Reviews written: 88
Trusted by: 79 members
About Me:
One bourbon, one Scotch, one beer, eh? I'll take Kentucky Spirit, Scapa, and HopDevil.
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