Product: Brooklyn Local 1: A smooth, hoppy German brew made for a cold winter night Producer: Brooklyn Brewery Approximate Retail Value: $8.99 for 25.4oz Category: Beer Country of Origin: Brooklyn, USA Reviewer: Jon Costantino The F Words: Flavor – Lemon, nutty. Feel – Velvet. Finish – Whisky-like.

Rating:

When you notice that this beer has a cork, and not a cap, you know you’re in for something special. Made with German hops and fermented in the bottle, this German/Belgian-style barley beer can be served with food as well as an excellent before/after dinner drink.

The beer is surprisingly light in its golden color (most hop-heavy brews like this are much darker) and it can be served with a slice of lemon to enhance its citrus flavor. I couldn’t help but notice the slight aroma of sandalwood as I lifted the glass to my nose. It is a full-bodied beer that fills your mouth with a whisky-like feel, and the finish backs that up.

Since the beer is brewed in the European style, I thought I would try it at both room temperature as well as in a more American-style frosted glass to see if the taste would change at all. When served right from the bottle with no refrigeration, it reminded me of a scotch with a hint more barley and hops. I could see it being served after a Thanksgiving meal, not as a refreshing drink, but one that could be enhanced by the autumn food that preceded it. I could imagine it keeping me warm as I sat down to watch the annual Cowboys game with a fine cigar.

But serving the Brooklyn Local 1 cold gave me a different experience. The frosted mug I served it in enhanced the lemon/clementine flavor, making the Belgian side of this brew really shine. The velvet finish disappeared and was replaced with a more refreshing clean one. I think that at 9 percent ABV, this beer might be a little too strong to enjoy ice cold, with the chilly temperature taking away some of the flavors that make this so unique.

The masterminds at the Brooklyn Brewery have done an excellent job of transporting real Saison ales to the United States.  If you find yourself picking up a bottle (which you should), it should be served slightly below room temperature and it should be placed no where near a cooler. Then sit back with a glass with a wide mouth (to enjoy the aroma), and sip a beer that can warm your heart and excite your tastes. A cigar helps, too.