J Marie Saison, River North Brewing Company, Denver

Style: Saison/Farmhouse Ale

ABV: 7.5 percent

Serving Type: 22-ounce bomber

Malty? Hoppy? Very little hop bite; a delicate maltiness. 

Reviewed: July 2012

We're ashamed to admit we haven't made it over to the River North Brewery [2] yet. So when we spotted River North's beer in bombers on the shelves of Argonaut [3] during a recent beer run, we were ecstatic. There were three to choose from: a Belgian-style double IPA, a Belgian quad, and this saison. All three brews peaked our interest, but we were in the mood for something lighter to quench our summer thirst, so we opted for the J Marie Saison [4]. 

We poured the beer into a snifter, and got a taste of what the River North Brewers were going for with this particular saison: simplicity. Two types of malt, one kind of hop, and pure saison yeast. That's it. The beer pours a rich golden, almost orange, color. The nose is filled with grassy notes, as well as a little yeast. The taste is straightforward, just like the brewers wanted: crisp and dry, with hints of lemon zest and straw. Another in the long line of Colorado beers fit for a hot summer day [5]. 

Would we buy it again? When we're in the mood for a saison, J Marie is now on the list of brews we'll consider.