One of the state's craft brewers is Two Roads Brewing Company of Stratford. I have noticed their brews appearing with increasing frequency here in the northwest corner of the state even though their brewery is in the southern part. Curiosity got the better of me and I took the plunge. I could not find a variety 12 pack, which is the way I prefer to sample beers from an unfamiliar brewery, so I settled for a six pack of their Worker's Comp Saison.
As you can tell from the bottle it advertises itself as a "farmhouse style" ale. The color is a light, golden brown. When you bring the glass close you immediately notice the fruity fragrance with floral and citrus scents.
The first impression from tasting it is also that of a lot of fruit and spice. I thought I detected a touch of rye. According to the web site they use a mix of grains for this ale, mimicking what they imagine must have happened at a true farmhouse brewery where they probably grabbed whatever grains they had handy. So indeed rye joins with barley, wheat and oats in the brew. So I get partial credit for that.
The overwhelming sensation is the spiciness and fruitiness however in both aroma and flavor. However the flavor does not linger. I found it disappeared very quickly even if I held the beer in my mouth for a while.
But the beer advertises itself as "refreshing" on the bottle, and it was. We were having some of our hotter and more humid days in early September when I was drinking this beer, and it fit right in. It was an easy and enjoyable drink.
I imagine some who are not fans of Belgian style beers would have a problem getting past the spice and the flowery aroma, but on a hot day it didn't bother me. But I think it would be better in small doses.
I give Two Roads Worker's Comp Saison 6 mugs out of 10.
And I will definitely be on the lookout for more of the offerings from Two Roads Brewery Company.
You can check out the web site at the link above in the post. They do have a tasting room and give brewery tours. Check the site for days and times. Think Global. Drink Local.