Saison Dupont

I know the season is over, but I didn't have time to write about this particular saison, which I ended up snapping up in the early Fall.

My girlfriend and I headed to Spud Shack Fry Co. for their delicious poutine, and because they have a selection of beer that isn't a plethora of North American econo-lagers. I don't normally review food in blogs, because I would look like a disgusting pig after the first month of posts, but the fries at Spud Shack are definitely worth a go.

The best part isn't actually their poutine (which is superb), but rather their custom dipping sauces. They have their own version of bacon mayonnaise which combined with their gravy and the Saison Dupont (ABV 6.5%), makes a human feel like they're in heaven.

From Brasserie Dupont in Belgium, this seasonal brew is raved about by hipsters all over the place. I think that this time, their thick-rimmed glasses and moustaches have got something right. But my average beer-appreciating personality will put Belgium's "finest" saison to the test:

Saison Dupont by Brasserie Dupont, @ Spud Shack Fry Co., New Westminster B.C.

The beer pours a beautiful golden colour, and has a crisp 1/4 inch of head that does not dissipate quickly. The aroma of citrus, and maybe melons? Maybe even banana peel? I don't know, but it's quite the mix.

On first sip, a little malt at first, then a little spice, and then the fruit kicks in. It's a smooth curve of tastes that flow one into the other. None overpowers the other, but each is just right. It's a delicate balance, and it's done quite well.

I thought that Granville Island did a good job with their saison, but then I tried this. This wins, hands-down. Comparing this brew to the saison from Granville Island is like comparing Pavel Bure to Mason Raymond. To each their own, right?

In the end, the suspender-strapped, vinyl-wielding hipsters were right. The Saison Dupont is the home-run of the Saison class. If you haven't had a chance to get your hands on one this year, stick around for next year's run! It's worth a bottle or two.

The Saison Dupont gets a cooler-than-cassette-tapes 9.0 / 10

Russell's Angry Scotch Ale

Wouldn't ye like a wee bit o' scotch in yer ale?

Okay, I'll stop typing like I'm crazy. I really liked everything I've tried so far from Russell Brewing, especially the Blood Alley Bitter, which I have a review on if you scroll back far enough in time.

Lately, I indulged in the Angry Scotch Ale (ABV 6.5%; 30 IBU).

On first pour, it has an amazing dark, rich, cocoa-caramel colour, with a 1/4 inch of head. It dissipated before I could take my picture, but it poured well. It smells sweet, with toasty malt notes and caramel. At some angles, it looks like I poured a stout, and some angles (with bright light behind it), you can see the dark reddish-tan colour of the beer.

On first sip, my smelling senses confirmed the tastes. Delicious hints of smoke, oak, caramel, malt, toffee, mmmm tasty! It's complex, layered, but it is decadent and not cluttered. The flavours flow together and bring a richness not found in many other brews.

As an experiment, I paired the beer with my friend's home-made chocolate syrup topping. It brings out the richness and compliments the flavour of the beer. We mixed this flavour combination up a little bit, but I think a spoonful of that syrup is the best fit solution for this beer so far.

Overall, the Angry Scotch Ale is by far a brew that makes me an antonym of Angry. This melody of flavours melds into one solid beer to appreciate. If you have never picked this up, do it.

The Russell Brewing Angry Scotch Ale gets a not-so-angry 9.0 / 10