Andina Brewing – Jalea Guava Saison
Overview
- Brewery: Andina Brewing Co.
- Beer Style: Saison
- ABV: 6.4%
- IBU: 25
- Format Reviewed: Can 473 ml
- Brewery Web Page: More info
Andina Brewing – Jalea Guava Saison Review
Andina’s Guava Saison is another example of their use of tropical and Latin American ingredients, especially fruits, in their distinctive lineup of modern beers. As noted in our review of their outstanding Cocolat Toasted Coconut Chocolate Stout, they have become one of the consistently solid breweries in Vancouver’s famed Yeast Van brewing district.
Jalea pours a light gold (the photo makes it look darker than it is, due to the brown table). You can see the substantial head thrown in our wide, rounded glass. Head retention was respectable.
Along with tropical fruit, there’s an aroma of salt and lime. On the palate, it’s tart and subtly saline. It’s a bit more zippy than your garden variety Saison.
Saison is a Low Countries (think Belgium) style whose name translates as ‘beer during summer season’. So historically, there wouldn’t be a whole lot of tropical fruit in these beers. But that’s what’s great about Andina: it’s not only providing experimentation in the North American tradition, but doing it in an authentically natural manner due to its owners’ Columbian roots.
About This Beverage
- Colour: Light Gold
- Head Size & Retention: Normal head + retention
- Carbonation: Well Carbonated
- Clarity: Slight Haze
- Balance: Balanced Malt/Hop
- Drinkability: Easy Drinking
- Enjoyment: I would definitely seek this beer out again
- Malt Characteristics: Juicy Malt
- Hop Characteristics: Floral
- Other Flavours/Aroma: Stone Fruit: Apricot, Peach etc
- Palate: Juicy, Tart
Summary
Andina’s Guava Saison is another example of their use of tropical and Latin American ingredients, especially fruits, in their distinctive lineup of modern beers.
Pros
- Fruity aroma and flavour
- More zippy than your garden variety Saison
Cons
- Not a standard Saison. Is that a con?