Appearance: Amber gold color, very slight haze, nice bright white fluffy foam head and lacing.
Aroma: Musty funk of grapes, much like white wine -- sort of like a mid-priced sauvignon blanc. Delicate, sweet floral note peers from behind, with citrus grapefruit and pear near by.
Taste: White grape sweetness, followed quickly by a funky tartness. Perhaps more of a perception of sweetness. Finishes dry like a sauvignon blanc. Good hop bitterness, but nothing discernible. Effervescent from a slightly elevated CO2 level, 12 PSI.
Final Thoughts: I wasn't sure what to think of this beer when I poured my first draught. It seemed too sweet, not nearly dry enough, and without much grape character. All of that changed with age. This is one of the few beers that I have brewed that has improved with age. The sweetness has receded, and become more tart and more wine-like. It's difficult to know if this is due to the yeast finishing fermentation, or falling out of suspension. The beer has definitely gotten cleaner over time, and the wine-like character really shines through.
If I were to brew this again, I'd simply give the Wyeast 3724 Belgian Saison yeast more time to complete its work and possibly drop the mash temperature to 149-150F. I'd also add even more grape juice or must to condition.
Thanks again Webendorfers for the fun experiment!
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