Saison Imperiale

Belgian Farmhouse Ale
Brewmaster's Collection Special Reserve
De Prouef Brouwerij, Lochristi, Belgium
8.5 percent alcohol by volume
Sampled: July 26, 2006

After getting past the initial shock of the color and its strength, neither indicative of the standard Saison, the Saison Imperiale grew on me quickly. It has a dry foamy head which dissipates quickly. However, Saison Imperiale needed a lot of help to surpass the ugly nose - it brings to mind many smells I'd rather forget, so let's just call it "a dirty barn bouquet."
Luckily, it found it in the not-quite Saison flavor and finish. Saison Imperiale does come with a spiciness true to other Saisons, but it diverts in its other charming characteristics.

The ale comes on strong with a robust, dark red fruit character - cherries, apples, even a little touch of plum --- though it does not follow the path of the high-alcohol quadruple-fermented ales.

Through a 750-milliliter bottle (not pleased with its synthetic cork; for me, it's true cork or a cap, with no room for middle ground), Saison Imperiale remains quite pleasant and drinkable.

Its makers deserve praise for carving a new niche in the pantheon of Belgian beer styles. Not fitting the traditional Saison standards, they do a solid job of treading new territory.

Just don't inhale it too deeply.

Rating: 6.5/10