Gentleman Farmer – Henniker Brewing Co.
It’s time to celebrate yet another reason for discovering great beer found in New Hampshire. Here we will attempt to give you an honest description of the weekly beer, its brewery in which it came from and their attributes, while keeping it real and not snooty. The ever-evolving craft brew business drives this effort to keep you up to date on what is happening in and around NH.
Henniker Brewing Company is located in Henniker, NH. Founded in 2011, HBC has captured the attention of craft beer lovers in the NH beer scene. They are today a 30 barrel brew house exclusively sold in NH and distributed widely throughout the state in 22 oz bottles, growlers (half gallon bottles) and kegs for restaurants and taverns. Visit their website at http://www.hennikerbrewing.com
“Gentleman Farmer” is a mysterious beer than almost defies being placed in a specific category.
Belgian-style ales are in a class by themselves as they portray a specific, almost fruity-sweet taste and heady flavorful mouthfeel. A Saison-style beer is typically different from Belgian-styles since the yeast that is used to make the Saison is a different strain. So to get this beer right is a complex mission. To add to the mystery, there is a blend of American and New Zealand hops that make this recipe particularly interesting. NZ hops are uniquely flavorful and trending these days. The label advises us of 6.5% ABV.
This beer was poured into a 22 oz glass to get the fullest enjoyment of both taste and smell at your first sip. At 38° F, the glass was half filled with an almost pure white head and required a moment or two to settle, leaving a bit of lacing around the glass. The bright amber color was inviting and well suited for warm weather enjoyment.
This medium body brew has a lemon and citrus beginning, a spicy middle, and a slightly hoppy finish. Henniker always delivers freshness in their creations and this beer is just one more example of their finely-tuned craft brewing experience.
Being a seasonal, you will want to find this one quickly; they just don’t last. It is still available at Case-n-Keg in Meredith and Laconia. Many on BeerAdvocate.com have rated this beer 3.9+ out of 5… meaning this is beer worth investigating!
Jim MacMillan is the owner of WonByOne Design of Meredith, NH, and is an avid imbiber of craft brews and a home brewer as well. Send him your recommendations and brew news to wickedbrews@weirs.com.
