Elysian Brewing Company - Oddland Peppercorn Saison

Pepper in beer? Odd?

I'll admit it, I can be easily influenced by fancy label graphics. Hey, when you're faced with a giant cold case filled with dozens upon dozens of bombers, something has to jump out at you.

The beer that jumped out at me today was Elysian Brewing Company's Oddland Peppercorn Saison. That label sure was cool. There's some kind of lion prancing around with a bowl of what I assume are peppercorns. Hey, it caught my attention.

The beer poured into my goblet a slightly hazy, golden peach color with a minimal off-white head. The head dissipated quickly and no lacing was left behind.

Aroma was very spicy and peppery. The smell of Belgian spice and farmhouse ale yeastiness in the background, with just a hint of citrus.

Taste followed the nose. The label says they used three different kinds of peppercorns in this brew and pepper is certainly the predominant flavor. Hints of cardamon and clove in the mix, too, with some bready, yeasty malt.

Medium mouthfeel with medium to slightly higher carbonation. Dry finish with that pepper zing remaining on the palate.

Hey, I'm not going to stock a beer cellar with this brew, but I'm glad I tried it. It's really different--like a farmhouse ale on spicy steroids. Good stuff and I'm giving it a BeerGuyPDX rating of 3 crushed cans out of 4.