Odonata Saison Release Party @ The Shack 4/30/2010

Sacramento has a relatively new name in Belgian-Style Ales. Odonata Beer Co. has been producing some choice beers recently and now I have the pleasure of reviewing one of them and being part of something that I think has a bright and prosperous future. With the unexpected close up of Sacramento Brewing Company, head brewmaster Peter Hoey and partner Rick Sellers formed Odonata Beer Co. in 2009. In the past I have had the opportunity to sample the Odonata Water Witch Belgian Strong Ale. That brew alone got me hooked and needless to say I was stoked to be one of the first to try the Saison.

Saisons are sometimes referred to as Farmhouse ales and the style has its roots with ales that were brewed early in the year for summer consumption. Today the style has been reintroduced and defined by Brasserie Dupont in Belgium and often the yeast strains cultivated for Saisons are derivative of the Dupont yeast. The style is very unique in many ways, however there is no real homogeneity in the flavors of the Saisons I have come across.

The Odonata take on the style is first of all really good. Coming in at 6.4% abv, the beer packs a mild punch and fits well in the Saison flavor spectrum. The aroma is mildly sweet and the initial sip is as well. However, after that the flavor get much more complex. This is a hoppy take on a Saison without a doubt. The malt is not heavy and somewhat drier then I would have expected. In an effort to be constructive here, I would say that the yeast (Dupont yeast to be exact)  is being outshone by the hops. Saisons, in my experience and opinion, are a showcase for the yeast. In reality though, I actually enjoy this rendition because of its use of hops. I feel that any ale made in California should be a little heavy handed with hops... This beer can be summed up in one word in my opinion, rustic! It has an earthy and rustic taste that is unique and awesome. I am really looking forward to the bottle version of this beer. I think the bottle conditioning will create some flavors from the yeast that are missing from the tap version.

For good measure my compatriots and I put this beer along a Dupont Foret. Needless to say these are wildly different beers and comparing them doesn't do justice to either one. The Odonata is even more hoppy after drinking the Foret and the Foret is wildly aromatic and sweet when compared to the Odonata.

Either way, two Kick-Ass beers and one Kick-Ass release party at a place that never fails to produce good food and good beer. 

-Cheers!!!