PINK PEPPERCORN SAISON ~ BIG RIG

I went for dinner at a great Italian place on Roncesvalles, food was great but the waitress knew nothing (not even the name) of the rotating taps.  She tried to list a few and told us that they were serving a ‘nut saison,’ intrigued several of us ordered the brew.   Poking around the next day, I could not find the beer anywhere, so sent a little message to Big Rig the brewery, who promptly got back to me, saying that I had imbibed their pink peppercorn beer.  The pink peppercorn is related to the cashew - who knew?  So they must put a nut warning on the beer in case of nut allergies – clearly confusing the waitress.

Sampled on draught the saison poured an opaque golden colour with a moderate white head.  It had a bright orchard fruit nose with a little sharpness from the pepper and a faint nuttiness. The favour was primarily orchard fruit, citrus, grains, light hops and the faintest bit of pepper on the back end.  The carbonation was moderate, the body was medium light and the finish was crisp and slightly off-dry.  I wish there was a little more of the pepper, but a nice light saison none-the-less.

6.1% from Ottawa, Ontario

SUNBURNT SAISON ~ BIG RIG

This is an interesting saison made with the addition of pink peppercorns (the mildest of the peppercorns) Sampled on draught the beer poured opaque yellow gold with cap of generous white foam. There was a subtle whiff of pepper on nose along with a little tropical fruit, apple and pear. The flavour was much as was expected - citrus, other fruits and bready grains, with a little pepper kick and light hops at the back end. The carbonation was lively, but the body was thin and watery at times. The finish was crisp and off-dry. Interesting - I would have liked more body and perhaps a little more peppery presence. 5% from Ottawa 25 IBU