QUE SARAH SARAH (1st Session - May, 2015)

SUMMARY
This beer was GREAT. In its early stages it was good, but given some time to age this beer really came through. It is incredibly drinkable, but also complex. Wonderfully refreshing and crisp. I love this beer. I'd like to brew this a little earlier in the year, so it has time to age and hit its prime at summer's peak. I had my doubts after my initial tasting, but this yeast delivered on it's hype.

RECIPE
Grains (10.0lbs)
     7.5 lbs Pale Malt
     1.5 lbs Wheat Malt
     1.0 lbs CaraMunich I
Hops (9 AAUs)
     5.5 AAUs Styrian Goldings (1oz | 5.5%)
     3.5 AAUs Saaz (1oz | 3.5%)
Yeast (1 Packet)

Belgian Saison 3724 (Wyeast)

(Low | 76-80% | 70-95°F)

BREW NOTES

Mash went according to plan
Straight forward boil
Ran out of time (had to go Featherbowling)
Left beer in the hands of my sister (hence the beer's name)
Did not pitch yeast nutrient
Only gathered 3.2gal (sister was afraid of trub, no big deal)

FERMENTATION NOTES

Set up temperature controlled heat wrap without issue

Raised target temp every few days
Fermentation temp plateaued at 89°F
Periodically shook fermenter to agitate yeast
Bottled after 7 weeks in the fermenter
FG finished at 1.002!
Collected 3.0gal in bottling bucket
Targetted 2.2vol C02 (.8oz/gal w/ 85°F beer)
   

TASTING NOTES

Bottling Taste (0 weeks)

- Very thin bodied (you can feel the 1.002 FG)

- Possibly too thin

- Initial taste comes off as watery

- Yeast complexity is perceptible, but not as forward as desired

Initial Taste (2 weeks)

- A bit too dry. Will increase mash temps next time around
- Estery but thin. Too watery to really enjoy the nuances
- Crossing my fingers that age will help
Second Taste (3 months)
- Deep golden color, with little head. Admittedly dark for a saison
- Fruity aroma, with Belgian yeast esters on the nose
- Smells and feels similar to champagne, but with a smooth finish
- Complex, crisp, and refreshing
- I love this beer (too bad it'll hit its prime in the Fall)
Final Taste (6 months)
- Head is nearly absent
- Complex, spicy Belgian esters
- Light feel, but deep and complex
- Plum, raisin flavors, along with typical banana and clove

LESSONS LEARNED
- Always allow ample time on brew day
- Sometimes a good yeast is all you need