This content was originally published by The Hop Review, a digital magazine that joined the Hop Culture family in March 2020.
This piece was written by Robert Battista.
August Beer of the Month
Each month, we share a beer that we think you oughta pick up. We’ve been working with a local bottle shop to select a beer that’s seasonably appropriate, accessible, not too harsh on the wallet, and might even impress your friends. The dog days of summer are upon us so we’ve picked out a beer that will help cool you off and keep you refreshed.
Moody Tongue Steeped Emperor’s Lemon Saison
Brought to us by Bottles & Cans
At their Pilsen brewery, brewmaster Jared Rouben is combining his passion for cooking and brewing to pump culinary inspired beers. With degrees from both the Culinary Institute of America and Siebel Institute, an extensive work history at Michelin rated restaurants, and as brewmaster of Goose Island’s Clybourn Pub, Rouben has a plethora of flavors in his arsenal. With beers like Caramelized Chocolate Churro Baltic Porter, Sliced Nectarine IPA, and Shaved Black Truffle Pilsner you can see how traditional culinary ingredients are finding a way into a variety of beer styles. As we continue to see restaurants offer food and beer pairings, Moody Tongue is literally doing that in every bottle they send out. For August, we thought you guys would need something easy drinking that would keep you refreshed so we chose Steeped Emperor’s Lemon Saison. Take a look at the specs below.
- Brewery: Moody Tongue Brewing Company
- Style: Saison
- ABV: 6.3%
- Price: $10.99 12oz 4-pack
You can pick up Moody Tongue Steeped Emperor’s Lemon Saison at Bottles & Cans (4109 N. Lincoln Ave.) in Northcenter. If ya get to Bottles & Cans, ask for other recommendations from owners Joe and Carly or any of the other knowledgeable staff on hand. And tell ’em we say hey!
THR Thoughts…
The first thing you notice when you pour this one out is a pleasant aroma of lemons. The lemon smell resembles freshly zested lemon, with some light doughy notes followed by a soft yeasty aroma. Poured out you’ll get a nice orange-amber glass with about an inch of soft fluffy white foam. Surprisingly, as this one went down the lemon flavor was more restrained than the aroma led us to believe. Notes of clove really came through mixed with some slight peppery falvors and a little tartness which we attribute to both the lemon and the yeast. Really a complex combination of flavors that changed as this one sloshed around the mouth. It kept you going back for more to see how the flavors developed as this one warmed up. We’re intrigued to see what other flavor combinations Moody Tongue can come up with so keep your eyes out for all of their offerings.
Photography by Robert Battista