I know you've mentioned that you've been trying a lot of Saisons over the last year. Have you had a problem where you're running into some that lean to the sour side?

I've definitely run into some where the citrus notes are so dominant that they're "sour," but I wouldn't really qualify them as sours. Once again, though, I'm not really that familiar with sours.

Crooked Stave puts out excellent sour beers.

Though some traditional European Saisons have a bit of tartness from wild yeast, American brewers have really moved the Saison style more towards American Wild Ale territory with their prodigious use of barrels and different bacteria.

I'm extremely sensitive to sour, and I would certainly consider some farmhouse ales to be sour beers. For example, Goose Islands Gillian was almost a chore for me to finish because of how sour it was. My mouth almost felt raw after finishing the bottle.

Some breweries are kind enough to label them sour farmhouse ales. Meanwhile, others I have no clue about until the first sniff or sip.

Had a couple of these today-they are produced in a local brewery less than a mile away. A little strong and really tasty!

http://www.mustlovebeer.com/public/a...753.jpg?c=7bd9

http://in.worldclassbeer.com/wp-cont...lantBottle.jpg

That's interesting. I've had Gillian a few times and to my palate, it feels fairly balanced and just a little bit tart. Madame Rose is the one you need to avoid also, if you see it; that stuff will cause some serious pucker. It's good but it'll scrape your palate something fierce.

Damn, man. Maybe I'm just too sensitive to it. Is there a chance the tartness varies year to year? Mine was a 2013. Even if it varies, it probably wouldn't be much of a difference. It's likely just my palate.

Thanks for the heads up on Madame Rose. I tend to stay away from wild ales though, specifically because of beers like you just mentioned.

Forbes just put out a 13 best Craft Beers in America list. I'll save you the click bait and list them. Pretty heavy East Coast bias, to say the least. ROFL
http://www3.forbes.com/lifestyle/the...-in-america/2/

1. Gose, Lost Nation, Vermont
2. Peeper Ale, Maine Beer Company, Maine
3. Three Philosophers, Ommegang, New York
4. Supplication, Russian River, California
5. Lunch, Maine Beer Company, Maine
6. Rigor Mortis, Dieu Du Ciel, Quebeca
7. Sue, Hill Farmestead, Vermont
8. Bourbon County Stout, Goose Island, Illinois
9. Abner, Hill Farmstead, Vermont
10. Heady Topper, The Alchemist, Vermont
11. Mastermind, Fiddlehead, Vermont
12. Focal Banger, The Alchemist, Vermont
13. Susan, Hill Farmstead, Vermont

Damn...I can't believe Three Philosophers made that list. I mean, it's good....but c'mon. Top 13 in America?

http://beerpulse.com/wp-content/uplo...K-12OZ-BTL.jpg
Boulevard Wheat and this is all I need.

That root beer is alright I guess. I enjoy root beer quite a bit, but couldn't see myself putting down a six pack of those things. Way too sweet.

Curious as to what you guys think of Collaboration #5.

I had Collab 5 for the first time at the brewery while in town last week. I was expecting a bigger citrus punch in the face, but enjoyed it nonetheless. I thought it was a super juicy PA and hope to find it up here.

I haven't had it. Sounds very good. I just missed it at the Brewery when I was in town.

I didn't care much for Collaboration #4, though. I thought it was kinda bland.