GiGi's Farmhouse Ale

I enjoyed a recent evening in the company of another of the Old Dominion "pinup girls" this week. (The beer series. What did you think?)

Gigi's Farmhouse Ale pours a copper-orange color with a frothy white head. The aroma is a yeasty, slightly funky malt, with cloves and a hint of citrus. Tasting the beer I was at first struck by the Belgian-ish funk and bitterness. Then the complexity of the Saison-style follows. I get hints of cloves, bitter citrus fruit, cinnamon, pepper, and tart apple, to name a few. The finish has a drying bitterness, with strong pepper and yeasty flavors lingering behind. The 7.2% ABV is well-masked allowing the spicy flavors to come through unhindered. 

Whenever I drink a Saison or Farmhouse Ale, it takes me a few sips to "get into" the beer. There's typically some spice or funky yeast flavor that takes my tastebuds by surprise. It's different, rather then unpleasant. But after a few sips, I've adapted and find the style quite enjoyable. I can still recall my very first bottle of Saison Dupont, right down to the place and the friends who were there. I wasn't so sure about that beer at the time! But now I enjoy these beers frequently, despite the initial sip adjustment. Likewise, I enjoyed my glass of GiGi's, despite the added distraction of trying to make notes on the flavors. (All for you, dear reader. All for you.)

GiGi's Farmhouse Ale is the summer entry in the Dominion "Pinup Pack" assortment, along with the previously reviewed Double D IPA and Morning Glory Espresso Stout. While the other two girls are available in stand-along six packs, GiGi's is available only in the variety pack or on draft. Candi, a Belgian Tripel, will replace GiGi in September. I'll be looking for a "date" with Candi this fall.

The beer reviewed here was a promotional sample from the brewery. My impressions are provided of my own free will and mind. The only outside influence being the beer itself.