Top Tastings 2008. A shorter version was published on facebook January 2009.
Beer sellers: Bierkraft
ABV: 7.7%
Origin: Southampton, New York, USA
Website: www.southamptonbrewery.com
Southampton Cuvée des Fleurs
The Southampton Publick House, Don and Charlie Sullivan’s acclaimed brewpub in the town of the same name at the eastern end of Long Island, has been open since 1996, and some of its beers are now distributed by Pabst. Probably not this speciality, though — a saison style ale which is part of the brewery’s Belgian-inspired ‘750 series’ of bottle conditioned beers in 750ml bottles. It’s dosed with lavender, chamomile, marigold and dog rose, all of them listed on the label with their botanical names. The original label got its Latin right but omitted the acute accent in the French word ‘cuvée’ — I note this has since been corrected.
It’s a cloudy golden beer that has a just off-white head and a delicate gingery candy aroma with a fresh haze of straw-like hops. There’s a very complex petally and slightly toffeeish malt palate with strawberry, elder and rose notes, and a burst of incense on a long tangy fnsh with lingering toffee and tart fruit. The combination of rustic saison and delicate floral and leaf notes is compelling.
It’s an impressive beer, which came highly recommended from specialist deli Bierkraft in Brooklyn.
Read more about this beer at ratebeer.com: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/southampton-cuvee-des-fleurs/37625/
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