Thursday, June 17, 2010

Le Petite Saison by Twisted Pine: a new session beer for summer

by Jonathan Kosakow for Examiner.com


The Twisted Pine Brewing Company sits in a part of town without too much foot traffic. Located at 3201 Walnut, a quick turn from 30th Street, the brewery and Ale House are just a bit off the beaten path – but not too far. And that style is distinctively Twisted Pine.

In the fifteen years since its opening, Twisted Pine has strived to make their beer just a little bit different, though they still manage to attract a healthy sized crowd by staying true to form. Starting with a simple recipe and adding an ingredient or two to spice things up, they satisfy both the regulars and the more adventurous types.

Available in 22 oz. bottles as of June 1, Le Petite Saison is a solid example of the simplicity that Twisted Pine has perfected. Though the Belgian saison style of beer has more recently become a great collaboration of yeast and spices, often showcasing faint notes of fruitiness, it was traditionally a beer for farmers to relax with after a long day, something simple yet satisfying.

Le Petite Saison lives up to its pastoral tradition. Light in color and cloudy because it is unfiltered, it takes the majority of its flavor from the yeast, a bread-like taste and texture. As it warms, a subtle hint of apricot and pear is also present. It finishes with a touch of hops, but not one so strong that the bitterness is overpowering, as many find is true with hoppier ales.
Though a majority of people will say that summer is a time for a lighter beer like Corona or Bud Light, Le Petite Saison will serve the same purpose of refreshment while also providing a distinct and satisfying flavor.

Like a good brewery should, Twisted Pine continues to evolve every day. In a time when most small companies are scaling back their operations, this brewery is only looking forward. Having just received their food license, the Ale House has plans to put together a thoughtful menu by early July, and with their 15th Anniversary party just a couple of weeks later, it looks to be a good summer at Twisted Pine.

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