Allagash Kurkuma Turmeric Saison Beer Review

Released in February 2021

$12.99/four 16oz cans

5.3%

Malts: Two Row Malt Blend, Oats

Hops: El Dorado, Cascade

Yeast: Saison

Spices: Organic Turmeric

I can’t deny my love for Allagash. Their beers are world-class, their employees are some of the nicest people on earth and their tasting room is inviting and friendly. I’ve been a fan of theirs since I discovered how much I love witbiers and thus Allagash White became a fridge staple. Their beers exude quality and professionalism and thoughtfulness. So when they came out with a Saison with...turmeric? You’ve got my attention. 

Kurkuma (named for the Genus of the Turmeric root) pours a light straw with a frothy, white head that persists. Since Allagash brews with the entire turmeric root, it seems the color is not influenced a great deal by the spice. I was thinking this beer would pour a pumpkin orange that could be unsettling. But no- it’s unbelievably light looking with a lovely slight haze. 

The aroma has a subtle earthiness that I get as turmeric but it’s not overwhelming. Other aroma attributes include lemon and orange peel, white pepper, wet dirt, and a tropical fruit salad medley which must come from the hops used in the beer (El Dorado known for its watermelon notes and the orange heavy Cascade). There’s something about it that smells like a fancy French pastry or dessert - unbelievably fresh and fragrant. 

Allagash Kurkuma Chalice

The flavors of the saison are classic - that peppery, refreshing Saison yeast is front and center. But where’s the turmeric? It’s there? Maybe? I’m not upset that the turmeric isn’t more forward- it seamlessly blends in with the expressive yeast strain. Too much turmeric would have caused the beer to be astringent and lack a necessary drinkability. The fact that it blends well with the yeast strain is a testament to good brewing practices - Belgian breweries love to add spices to beers like saisons and Trappist styles in hopes that they meld with the entire beer, not to be picked out and examined. 

One thing I love about this beer is that it’s “sessionable” - 5.3% ABV. American Saisons tend to lean to the “super” variety (7.5%+) which are great for many occasions like celebrations but aren’t necessarily the beer you’d want to bring to the beach on a hot summer day. The low ABV point plus the fact it’s sold in a four-pack, 16 oz can, makes it an out-of-the-box beach or outdoor BBQ summer beer. You throw a few of these beauties into the cooler and after an hour in the hot sun, you’ll be glad that you have one of these to imbibe. Its price point is also very reasonable- $13 for a four-pack. 

There’s a refreshing quality, almost “gulpable” and “chuggable” refreshment to this beer- I don’t normally think of a Saison in this capacity but Kurkuma is the kind of beer I’d reach for after a run -- if I did that sort of thing. 

For food pairings, go light;  grilled seafood like salmon, fruit desserts like a key lime pie, or cook with it (mussels in this beer would be outstanding). Drink out of doors in the sun to make every issue of the day seemingly disappear.