156. Fantôme Saison D'Erezée Printemps

Brasserie Fantôme is still in Soy, Belgium; this is our second beer from Fantôme—the last one was Biére de Saison Pissenlit, which was awesome.

Saison D'Erezée Printemps has an estery, tart, spicy, and musty nose, as well as a little bit of sour funk—there’s a whole fruity barnyard of good smells going on in this one. Pouring a hazy and lightly cloudy straw color, Saison D'Erezée Printemps has a creamy ivory head and an effervescent and lively carbonation. The front starts with a light sourness before moving into candy sweetness and tartness; the middle is characterized by some spicy esters flavors, and it closes with citrus tartness and a bit or pepper-y spiciness. The barnyard’s all in the nose in this one. Saison D'Erezée Printemps is light bodied and creamy but dry; the bright crisp carbonation brings with it a refreshing bite. A lively, enjoyable, and easy drinking beer. We do like the slight sourness and tartness that accompanies the spicier and pepper-y saison flavors. Well crafted and balanced; an all around top notch beer—we’re making Saison D'Erezée Printemps a Top 10 Best contender—that makes Fantôme two for two.

From the bottle: “Fantôme is a classic artisanal brewery in the heart of the Ardennes forest. Its brews are in the robust, flavorful ‘saison’ style, and recall the early days of Belgian brewing. Brewer David Prignon is known for his regular ‘Fantôme’ saison (rated a perfect 10 in a recent book on Belgian brewing) and for the creative and adventurous brews he makes to mark each of the four seasons. The recipes change every year, but don’t ask what makes them so tasty...the Fantôme never gives up its secrets.”

From Sheldon Brothers Importers: “Light, fruity and champagne-like. Fantôme brews special seasonal beers, never repeating a recipe from year to year. This one is for spring...”

ABV: 8.0%

(12/3/2009)