Review Date 6/7/2012
Try?
Re-buy?
Welcome, friends, to the 14th edition of the Terrapin Side Project series (collect ‘em all), TomFoolery Black Saison. So far I’m 15 for 16 on these beers (and I do have a bottle of the 16th release stashed away in my closet). Terrapin’s Side Project series has been an interesting essay that has at times provided some truly remarkable beers, and I respect the fact that this Athens, Georgia brewer has not been afraid to toss convention aside and try different things.
Such is the case with Tom Foolery Black Saison, a Belgian-styled saison ale made with dark malts. As far as I can tell from my beer database, this will be the first such beer to pass these lips. Ever. I did sit on the beer for a while, as it was released in early 2011 and I didn’t get around to popping it until early 2012. It’s doubtful you’ll find any at this point, but Terrapin has been known to re-release these beers in 4 and six-packs.
Specs from the brewery:
ABV: 7.4%
O.G.: 15.2
F.G.: 1.5
Hops: Golding, Willamette, Vanguard
Malts: Pale ,Vienna, Wheat Rye, DH Carafa III, Acidulated
My bottle says the alcohol content here is 7.3% as opposed to what the Terrapin website says. They describe the beer “boasts an uncharacteristic black color for a a traditional Saison, but is just untraditional enough for our experimental mentality.”
Terrapin Side Project 14 TomFoolery Black Saison pours to a jet black color with a thick creamy tan head formation and a spicy chocolate and pepper nose. The body is surprisingly roasty, almost astringently so, with a harsh dark roastiness reminiscent of a German Schwarzbier. Strong notes of chocolate, coffee, white pepper, coriander, and anisette all appear in the palate. The finish has a bit of dark fruit (prune to my taste) and is spice dried to me; I do get a bit of hop bitterness if not aroma, but just a bit.
I enjoyed this little diversion, and wouldn’t mind seeing it return. The price was the usual $7.99 for a 22-ounce bottle, at least usual for this series.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
