Leifur Nordic Saison

 

Like many countries around the world, Iceland experimented with prohibition. Unlike most nations though, Iceland's prohibition lasted more than half a century. Starting in 1915, prohibition didn't end completely for Iceland until 1989. Over the decades, prohibition was repealed incrementaly. First, wine was legalized in 1922. Then in 1935, all alcohol was legalized except for beer stronger than 2.25% abv. 

There was a resistance to legalizing beer because it was feared that teenagers would be most susceptible to the temptation to drink beer. Thankfully, beer was finally legalized in 1989 and less than twenty years later, Iceland joined the craft beer community. Leifur fills my glass with a beer that is somewhat hazy and a medium copper color that reminds me somehow of apricot jam. The head is dense, off white, and decently lasting.

Aromas of fresh bread lead the charge before moving into what smells like ripe, fresh fruit. Fresh fruit aromas remind me briefly of ripe stone fruit with hints of orange peel. Ripe fruit leads into subtle notes of peppercorn and a rounded earthiness that somehow does not seem out of place here. A tiny hint of overall spice combines with bready maltiness, providing an interesting through note.

Leifur's flavors and mouthfeel start out smooth, rounded, and with a gentle malt sweetness. Modest carbonation carry flavors into a dryer center with spiciness that is more assertive than what I found in the aroma. Flavors of orange juice and orange peel lend support to flavors of peppercorn and Belgian spiciness. All this moves into a short, dry finish flavored with hints of peppery European hops.

Overall, I think Leifur deserves a 7.75 out of 10. It tastes very much like a saison ought to taste, but has a delicacy to it. That delicate nature makes the beer refreshing and accessible for those who've never tried this style of beer before. If you've never had a saison, this would be a good beer to introduce you to the style and would be a good beer to return to once in a while.