Here's hoping this is epic.
Haw River released a 4 pack of 16oz cans called White, Green, Red, and Smoke as "Tasseography".
Haw River is a bit notorious in my mind for poor website and info on their beer in general.
The base beer is the same "rustic saison".
White - white tea peony and white peppercorn
Green - gunpowder green tea and green peppercorn
Red- red roiboos tea and sichuan red peppercorn
Smoke - smoked lapsang souchong and smoked peppercorns
Visually, White and Green are similar/identical.
Red looks like an amber/red ale like Killians.
Smoke is just a shade deeper gold than White or Green.
The nose on white and green are very saison-y- mild funky grassy hay.
Red's nose is spicy.
Smoke's nose is, as expected, smoky.
White tastes like a fairly straightforward saison, with maybe a hint of unexpected sweetness.
Green the peppercorn is pronounced, adding a nice twist to the bevy of saison goodness.
Red's flavour is unusual- there is some sweetness, but the sichuan pepper adds a mild heat. Nothing unpleasant. If you are not familiar with how rooibos tea tastes, you’ll be in for a treat as it becomes more prevalent as the beer warms.
The heat is not particularly subtle as an aftertaste. A really intriguing beer that stands alone nicely, also would pair with a variety of food.
Smoke might be the perfect beer to pair with NC barbeque. The nose is a slow burning coal grille, and the smoke is the dominant flavour in the beer. This is a beer that cries out for food. Enjoyable on its own nonetheless.
A 64oz tasting is no joke, and I am grateful for the Love Ninja's involvement.
Haw River makes amazing beer, and the Tasseography project is no exception.
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