This is probably my favorite New England brewery. I love what they do here, and what they strive to accomplish. You know that passion is a way of life at this place. A fun place to visit if in the Portland, Maine area. It is like a little bit of Belgium, but, you are in Maine! The people here are only the best. And you will be treated as a friend. Every beer is crafted to please. I had the pleasure of pro-curing a bottle of the new release 09 Fluxus at the brewery, and here is what I found:
I expected to really taste the sweet potato and pepper here. That was my expectation. But then I remembered that this is not what this brewery is all about. They are not about creating the next “Imperial” styled blockbuster that seems to be all the rage nowadays. Here they strive for delicacy, classic styling, and moderation. And, that is what I found. The beer pours a a lush and creamy almost orange hue with a deep golden border. The head is creamy, lingering. and exhibits ample stick. Aromatics are nicely malty, and warming with a delicate integration of sweetness. The beer is very much in line with the Saison style providing gentle hop notes and a grinding of pepper. The pepper and sweet potato are elusive however, and the sweet potato component adds more to texture than flavor. In the end though, as the beer finishes, a long blast of these two flavorings linger gently on the palate. This is a really nice offering. It begs to be a Thanksgiving pick, and that it is! I will have a few of these on hand for the meal. Get this while you can as when it is gone, it is gone forever. Then you can only anticipate next years Fluxus. And, who knows what the blend will be then. Thank you again Allagash for upping the perception of beers made here stateside. A remarkable American brewery that I am proud to claim as a local favorite. Find and try!
