It's #FloridaBeerFriday, when we take a look at a beer brewed in the Sunshine State, giving analysis to the burgeoning craft-beer movement of Florida.
This week, we're poring over one of the non-Buddha beers that were available at this previous weekend's Maple Bacon Coffee Porter fest at Funky Buddha Brewery. That beer, pictured above, is the dry-hopped E'te' Sans Fin, a "farmhouse ale brewed with coriander" from Saint Somewhere Brewing Co. in Tarpon Springs.
See also: Florida Beer: Funky Buddha Brewery's Crusher Single Hop Session IPA
First, what does E'te' Sans Fin mean? Beers these days usually come named with a witty phrase or play on words, but with Saint Somewhere beers, we're usually treated to a bit of French or a historical phrase. It's quite enjoyable. For this particular beer, the name translates to something akin to "season without end" or, perhaps, "endless summer."
The beer itself is a cloudy yet perfectly golden color, especially when the sun shines through it. You're instantly transported to that feeling of watching the setting late-summer Florida sun. It's quite beautiful.
Since this has been dry-hopped, there is a big floral character to the aroma, coupled with some hay, grass, and what I can only describe as "nature." The flavor incorporates the trademark lemony-freshness of the coriander with some earthiness from the hops and mixes it with a dose of that Tarpon Springs funk... yes, Saint Somewhere does things in a very old-fashioned way (with open fermentation), which imparts a certain terroir to the beers. Is it instantly recognizable as being from that area of the state? I'm sure better palates than mine might be able to tell; I've watched Somm and know that they exist.
E'te Sans Fin clocks in at a moderate 5 percent alcohol by volume, which is highly appropriate for this refreshing style of beer.
If you're looking to try it, the non-dry-hopped base will be available at the Riverside Market on January 20 as part of its "Drinking Down Florida" event series. Otherwise, keep an eye out for tappings at special events across the state.
Follow #FloridaBeerFriday for more reviews of Sunshine State brews.
Get out there and #DrinkLocal.
Doug Fairall is a craft beer blogger who focuses on Florida beers and has been a homebrewer since 2010. For beer things in your Twitter feed, follow him @DougFairall and find the latest beer pics on Instagram.
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