Beer Review: Evil Twin You Can Cut All The Flowers, But You Can’t Keep Spring From Coming Marigold & Bee Pollen Saison
True to their reputation for eccentric ingredient combinations and poetic, long-form titles, Evil Twin Brewing presents a beautifully avant-garde take on the classic farmhouse ale. Named after the famous Pablo Neruda quote, “You Can Cut All The Flowers, But You Can’t Keep Spring From Coming,” this rustic Saison is brewed with actual marigold flowers and bee pollen. This botanical experiment leans heavily into seasonal, agrarian roots, delivering a complex, dry, and highly expressive flavor profile that serves as a literal liquid interpretation of spring.
Appearance
This Saison pours a gorgeous, slightly hazy, glowing honey-amber color with a lively effervescence. It forms a massive, billowy, cloud-like white head that exhibits incredible retention. As the foam slowly subsides, it leaves an intricate, lace-like pattern of delicate webbing all along the sides of the glass.
Aroma
The bouquet is extraordinarily vibrant, complex, and overwhelmingly floral. Immediate notes of dried marigold petals, dandelion, and chamomile dominate the nose. Directly beneath the heavy floral layer sits a distinct, earthy sweetness reminiscent of raw honeycomb and powdery bee pollen. The classic Belgian farmhouse yeast strain ties it all together, adding a sharp layer of cracked white pepper, clove, and a mild, rustic funk.
Palate
On the first sip, the palate is treated to a fascinating interplay between bitter botanicals and spicy fermentation characteristics. Up front, it hits with bright citrus notes of lemon peel and orange blossom water, quickly followed by the distinct, slightly bitter, and herbaceous tea-like flavor of the marigold petals. The mid-palate introduces a subtle, non-sugary honey richness from the bee pollen, which is immediately balanced by a rustic wave of clove, earthy straw, and peppery phenols from the yeast.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel is crisp, remarkably light, and intensely refreshing. Thanks to a high level of carbonation, the beer feels lively, spritzy, and dances on the tongue, perfectly carrying the delicate botanical oils. It possesses a lean body that completely avoids heavy syrupy traits, masking its strength behind an effervescent, breezy texture.
Finish
It finishes bone-dry, clean, and highly astringent. The lingering aftertaste is beautifully refreshing, characterized by a soft, chalky dryness, a final kiss of floral perfume, and a crisp, peppery spice that thoroughly cleanses the palate.
Summary
- Style: Herb and Spice Farmhouse Ale / Saison
- Brewery: Evil Twin Brewing (Queens, NY)
- ABV: ~6.5% (Typical for this series)
- Key Ingredients: Marigold Flowers, Bee Pollen
Evil Twin’s botanical Saison is a triumph of conceptual brewing that avoids falling into the trap of mere gimmickry. The marigold flowers provide a sophisticated, structural herbal bitterness, while the bee pollen contributes a unique depth of earthy aroma without adding unfermented sugar. It is a dry, complex, and deeply refreshing farmhouse ale that pairs exceptionally well with soft goat cheeses, fresh salads, or warm spring afternoons.
Pour it into a tulip glass and let it warm slightly past fridge temperature to fully unleash its complex floral bouquet.
Please Note: To ensure absolute freshness and optimal storage temperatures, all craft beer arrivals are sold exclusively in-store and are not available for online ordering.
Available at SF Tequila Shop
Exploring the dynamic craft beer scene of San Francisco, one pint at a time. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, we’re dedicated to uncovering the best local brews. We believe in the power of community and the unique stories behind every bottle. Our mission is to share our passion for craft beer with the Bay Area and beyond.