Hi guys.  For today’s craft beer review I’m going to be trying the Baudelaire Bier iO Saison produced by Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales located in Dexter, Michigan.

Let’s forgo all of the small talk and jump to the website, jollypumpkin.com, for the commercial description of this brew.  

Ale brewed with rose hips, rose petals and hibiscus.

Well, a very simple and to the point description there.

Let’s pour.

This Jolly Pumpkin effort comes in a 25.4 oz. bottle and it has an ABV of 6.8%.

It poured a deep rosy/red color with a very large off white head that was soapy, rocky, soft and billowy.  The retention time was outstanding and the lacing was more than suitable for me.

The aroma brought forth a nice dose of sourness and tarty goodness.  Mostly along the lines of soured cherries and soured grapes.  It was very floral smelling too.  It actually did have a slight “rose” hint.  Touches of yeast added some earthiness while a bit of funk started slow then gradually became stronger and more drawn out as it warmed.  Little to no spice was detected however.   

The tarty, sourness and funk really softened in the flavor.  The fruity cherries and grapes were found, but they too were quite calm and restrained.  I actually started to get a slight taste of apples in there.  Some spice was detected.  It was pepper mostly.  A very meager amount of yeast and bread completed the savor and helped create some balance, yet overall, the flavor profile was a touch underscored.  Although still good.

The mouthfeel was medium bodied.  Very dry, somewhat sharp, crisp and refreshing.  The carbonation was very lively and pleasant and a decent amount of flavor was left covering the palate after the sip.

Well, we have another nice beer from Jolly Pumpkin here.  It was super easy to drink and I think it would be an outstanding beverage for the Summer months.  It was very manageable and easy going, therefore I also believe it would be a great introductory Saison for someone looking to explore the style.  It’s not over-the-top or obtrusive in anyway whatsoever.  It retains a lot of the proper characteristics of a Saison and it has one very cool looking label.  I’d recommend giving it a try if you see it.  It was a nice, little, tasty brew that could be enjoyed by most anyone in my opinion.  Have you guys ever tried the Jolly Pumpkin Baudelaire Bier iO Saison?  What did you think of it?  Be sure to leave a comment and let me know.

Thanks for reading everyone.  I really appreciate it.

Until next time.  Cheers.

Score:  3.8 out of 5
Grade:  B+