#154: Ithaca Beer Co. Cold Front (aged in wine barrels), South Hill Saison, Regionale

The Brewery: Ithaca Beer Company (Ithaca, NY)
Availability: Draft Only (5-Barrel Series)
Location: Ithaca Beer Taproom

The Story? My father was stopping through Ithaca on his way back from the Adirondacks and we scheduled to meet up for lunch. I'd missed the last several cask night offerings, but figured there would likely be at least a new 5-barrel series offering hanging around. Correct, though understated.

Cold Front (Belgian-style aged in red wine barrels) | ABV: 7.2% | Rating 8.8/10
I enjoy Cold Front. It's definitely one of Ithaca's stand-out 12 oz. offerings and the prospect of that robust beer in wine barrels warranted a trip on its own.

I order a half pint, which arrives as a deep, dark amber color with a touch of ruby, topped by a ring of lacy head and delivers a sweet, malty nose.

The flavor is quite earthy, commiserating with light red fruit notes and a mild tartness amidst a dense, chewy mouthfeel and body. The wine influence is notable in the nose and finish mostly. There's a slight roasted bitterness in there as well - bittersweet in fact. Notes of alcohol, coffee, dry coco begin to arise. All made quite drinkable with a smooth, soft carbonation. This rendition is enjoyable. Wet, Cold Front start and drying, red wine finish. Well done.

South Hill Saison (Farmhouse) | ABV: 6.4% | Rating: 8/10
This saison kicks off a hazy yellow, also with a ring of head. The nose is relatively transparent, mild with notes of yeast and mild citrus. A few sips though and South Hill is mildly dry, on the minerally side of things with soft carbonation. Smooth, with orange and yeast flavors peaking through. A relatively straight forward, mild Farmhouse style. Tasty and a good meal beer.

Regionale (Local-sourced Ale) | ABV: 5/7% | Rating: 8/10
This brew is brewed using all New York State grown ingredients, including lemon balm from their own Ithaca Beer garden. The aptly named Regionale serves up with a fluffy, fading head with no lace atop a clear, pale orange-amber body.

The taste is quite dry, with lots of orange presence, a touch of lemon. It's slightly sharp and minerally, but still quite pleasant. Nice one-off for those looking for a light body beer with bright character.