Beer Man: Twisted Pine Saison hits the spot in warm weather

Beer Man: Twisted Pine Saison hits the spot in warm weather

Beer Man is a weekly profile of beers from across the country and around the world.
This week: La Petite Saison br> Twisted Pine Brewing Co., Boulder, Colo.
http://www.twistedpinebrewing.com/

Some people look forward to spring because of the warmer temperatures and blossoming flowers and trees. I look forward to it because I know Bob will be returning to Wisconsin from a winter stint in Arizona with some barley treats from the Twisted Pine brewery.

Bob's friend, Wisconsin native Bill Marshall, co-owns the Colorado brewery with Bob Baile. They have introduced a number of unique and/or quality beers, such as Hoppy Boy, Billy's Chillies, Sacred Spice Chai Porter and Ghost Face Killah.

The 22-ounce La Petite Saison compares favorably with the Belgian and French offerings of the style. Its light color and body, and prominent but delicate malt flavor, reflects the pilsner and white wheat malt grains that form its base. It has a fruity, citrusy aroma, solid mouthfeel, slight sweetness, nice coriander spice notes and a refreshing dry and crisp finish with a bite from the Perle, Saaz and Williamette hops.

A more unique Twisted Pine beer, but limited only to Colorado, is the 750 ml West Bound Braggot, which, although called a braggot, tastes and drinks like a saison and includes orange blossom honey, buddha's hand and Tasmanian pepper berries.

Braggot is a malt-honey beverage dating back to medieval times. There are no hard and fast rules to the percentage of ingredients. It may or may not contain spices and/or hops, and can have as much as 80 malt.

Marshall said that West Bound is about 35 to 40 honey and a saison yeast is used. It's a far cry from the thick and heavy braggots I am used to.

The honey gives it a huge floral and orange aroma, accompanied by lemon rind from the Buddha's hand, a southeast Asian fruit without much flesh or juice. The rind is used for zest and the fruit is hung in rooms as a fragrance.

It adds a sharp, tangy lemon taste to the beer, while still allowing the saison characteristics to come through. The pepper berries provide a touch of spiciness in the background. It's a delicious beer.

Current distribution of Twisted Pine is in Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Nebraska and Texas; West Bound is only available in Colorado.

Many beers are available only regionally. Check the brewer's website, which often contains information on product availability. Contact Todd Haefer at beerman@postcrescent.com.