A new, revivalist brewery, Fantome specializes in Saison-style
farmhouse ales. To denote specific brews that are exceptional,
Fantome occasionally vintage dates selected beers.
Spring 99 Saison
An exceptional Saison, this beer is darker than most of the
archetypical Saisons (ex: Saison Dupont). Garnet red in color,
the Fantome supports a full, rocky beige head that maintains for
a few minutes before dissolving.
The initial aroma is that of sweetness, and when tasted, the Fantome awakens the tastebuds with a strong smoked/roasted taste found in German Rauschbiers or certain Scottish Ales. Though you might be inclined to serve a Saison cold, because of the smoked malts, if the beer is served too cold, the smoke will exhibit an unbalanced tartness... so serve it at cellar temperature (60 degrees) or even room temperature.
Unique and certainly worth trying if you like smoky beers.
(Avery Glasser)