Bison Farmhouse Ale

While surveying local beer stores on Saturday, I ran into a number of selections from Bison Brewing at a place just around the corner from my new apartment.  Last year at the GABF, a favorite among my friends was an "Organic Belgian" by Bison (or at least that is the title of the beer I wrote down).  My notes also mention that it was light and refreshing and had a nice biscuit flavor on top of the typical Belgian-style flavors.  Of course my notes weren't with me and I could only remember Bison and Belgian at the beer store.  So I grabbed a bottle of their 2007 Brewer's Reserve Farmhouse Ale hoping that this was the same beer.  After reviewing their website, I cannot be sure that this was the beer but it did win a Gold medal in 2006.  All I can do is taste it and see if I notice some of the same characteristics I noted.  Problem is my notes aren't exactly detailed so it might be a stretch.  Oh well...time to drink it and enjoy even if it isn't what I thought it might be.

Description of the beer from the website: "In the past era, hard working rural 'Saisonniers' consumed 5 liters per day of this style beer. We re-created it for today's modern worker using Belgian yeasts and sour mashing for a refreshing spiciness and acidity to enliven your palate. Bottle conditioning leaves some sediment, so decant by slowly pouring into a wide mouth glass."

• Appearance: Cloudy, a very lively gold color, sediment in the bottle and in the glass, creamy head built up on pouring but faded relatively quickly leaving on a small white ring around the inside edge of the glass
• Aroma: Spicy, slightly sweet, orange and another fruit that is hard to place, coriander, maybe a little clove, also some sourness and must but at good levels
• Taste: Begins with mild sweetness that quickly gives way to the spices and a dry, tart finish with the spices lingering; Easy drinking with most of the flavor up front but not overpowering; Well carbonated

After tasting the beer, I am sure this is not what I sampled at GABF last year.  There wasn't even a hint of biscuit or toasted flavors.  However, I was not disappointed that I got the wrong beer.  A tart beer on the mild side that I found refreshing and not overpowering.  A good way to end a long day of unpacking boxes in a city that is still hot and humid.  (Tasting completed on Saturday with the post just getting up today)