Beer Review: Fair Isle Fyn Rooibos Tea Saison
Fair Isle Brewing is known for its exquisite and often surprising Saisons, and Fyn is a perfect example of their creativity. This isn’t your typical farmhouse ale. It’s a journey into a field of exotic fruits and floral notes, all built on a crisp, classic Saison base.
- Appearance: Poured from the lovely 12 oz can, Fyn presents a hazy, light golden body with a subtle pinkish hue, reminiscent of a sunset. A generous, rocky white head forms and then dissipates to a thin lace that clings to the glass. It has a beautiful, inviting glow.
- Aroma: The aroma is where Fyn truly shines. It’s a vibrant and complex bouquet, with initial big notes of ripe peaches and sweet mangos. As you get closer, layers of red berries and kiwi emerge, all mingling with a distinct, pleasant aroma of strawberry fruit leather. The rooibos tea adds a slightly earthy, tannic backbone that grounds the sweeter fruit notes.
- Taste: The first sip is bright, crisp, and incredibly refreshing. The fruity aromas translate directly to the palate, with a burst of juicy peach and mango at the forefront. The green rooibos tea and pomegranate come through on the mid-palate, providing a lovely, subtle tartness and a dry, clean character. It drinks exactly as the product description promises—a fruited summer iced tea, but with a wonderfully complex fermented character. The Saison yeast provides a light peppery spice in the finish that ties everything together.
- Mouthfeel: The body is light and effervescent, with a fine, lively carbonation that tickles the tongue and makes it incredibly easy to drink. The finish is dry and clean, leaving you wanting another sip.
Fyn Rooibos Tea Saison is a stunningly crafted beer. It perfectly balances the fruity, floral, and earthy components without any one flavor overpowering the others. It’s a fantastic, unique take on the Saison style and an ideal companion for a warm day. It’s truly a testament to Fair Isle‘s mastery of blending bold flavors with traditional techniques.