Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company Ovila Abbey Saison


Hello beer lovers and welcome to another edition of the NorCal Beer Blog's brew review.

Tonight’s featured beer is Sierra Nevada Brewing Company Ovila Abbey Saison. 

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
A collaboration between Sierra Nevada Brewing Co and the monks at the Abbey of New Clairvaux, Ovila Abbey Saison brings the centuries-old monastery brewing tradition to America. Ovila Abbey Saison is complex and contemplative-but also refreshingly dry and drinkable. With earthy and spicy aromas, this rustic Saison has note of green grass and a faint citrus tang. The body is light and layered with fruit and spice accents and a dry, peppery finish. A portion of the proceeds from this ale go toward the restoration of the historic Santa Maria de Oliva chapter house on the grounds of the Abbey of New Clairvaux. This medieval building stood for nearly eight centuries in Spain. William Randolph Hearst purchased the monastery in 1931 and planned to use the stones for a castle even grander than his famous San Simeon. Although Hearst’s plan crumbled, these historic stones will rise again in a California Cistercian abbey.
Let’s get started!
Appearance: Pours a cloudy dark orange with a large white head and a little lacing.
Aroma: Lemon zest, citrus, spice, Belgian yeast and bready malts.
Taste: Lightly sweet, grainy malts, lemon zest, fruit, citrus hops, Belgian  yeast, mild banana and quite tangy.
Overall:  Enjoyable, flavorful, complex and easy drinking, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company’s Ovila Abbey Saison is nice.  It drinks much lighter than 7% ABV and is a beer I would definitely purchase again.
Cheers!

Mark Harvey

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