Driftwood Brewing, just outside of downtown Victoria, has been creating beers of distinction ever since their opening in the spring of 2008. While other micro-breweries were playing it safe by not straying too far from the centre of gravity of the beer drinking masses that default to mostly pedestrian lagers, the new kid on the block, Driftwood came out of the gate with a flavourful pale ale (Driftwood Ale) a Witbier (White Bark Ale), an Altbier (Crooked Coast Amber Ale) and a Belgian-style Saison (Farmhand Ale).
Driftwood’s Farmhand Ale is based upon a Southern Belgian Saison (French for “season”), a rare beer style that was traditionally brewed in farmhouses to refresh workers during the late summer harvest season. Resembling a pale ale and typically brewed with a lower alcohol content of around 3.5% (although it is now common to find them at 5-8% ABV), Saisons are also bottle-conditioned with a second infusion of yeast which gives them a distinct cloudy appearance.
The Farmhand Ale has a hazy golden amber colour, produces a thick pale head and has subtle aromas of wheat, orange peal and spice. The flavour starts tart and smooths out into a nice peppery sweetness with notes of citrus and coriander. The body is fairly light with a slightly watery mouthfeel. The ale is quite refreshing, although I find it a bit light with a rather short finish.
While not quite in the same league as the legendary Saison Dupont or Saison D’Epeautre from Belgium, Driftwood must be commended for having the kahonas for attempting such a unique beer in this still emerging craft beer market.
I look forward to tasting the evolution of this beer and hope other local breweries take notice and begin to follow their lead off the beaten path. ~ PK
Brewer: Driftwood Brewery
ABV: 5.5%
Category: Saison
Appearance: 4
Aroma: 4
Flavour: 3.5
Mouthfeel: 3
Overall: 4
Score: 18.5/25
Availability: 650ml bottles available at most BC liquor stores and better private outlets.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice work Paul. I could not agree more on your assessment of this brew. The one thing I would say is that it is quickly becoming my go-to food pairing beer when trying to keep things local. Pair this with the Free Range Wings at the Alibi Room and you’re in heaven!
@cbjerrisgaard
You left out that it’s flavoured with black pepper! ;)
I enjoyed this beer but I much prefer the Crooked Coast Amber Ale from Driftwood.
We now have the Farmhand in stock at Darby’s LRS. I haven’t tried it myself yet, but I love their Driftwood Ale, which we will have back on tap at Darby’s Pub soon.
This is what craft beer is about! A local stab at a traditional style and a solid effort. In bottle at LoLo and great with Moccia Fennel Salami.
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