Golden Cap
Brewery: New Holland Brewing Company (Holland, Michigan)
Style: Saison / Farmhouse Ale
ABV: 6.25%

Being a former Michigan native, I am very familiar with many of the breweries in the Lower Peninsula. New Holland Brewery, located just outside of Grand Rapids in Holland, is one such locale that I have greatly enjoyed over the years. Yet I didn’t notice until tonight that they had a saison ale available in six pack form. Golden Cap, as it is appropriately titled, is a solid summertime beer that represents another good brew from New Holland.

Golden Cap has a light, hazy color to it and this appearance does a good job of concealing its surprisingly potent 6.25% ABV. The beer is a bit sweeter than most saisons that I have tasted, which can be either a plus or a minus depending on your tastes. The first thing I noticed was a strong presence of peppercorn, even moreso than the Goose Island Pepe Nero I tried recently. The peppercorn dances around on the tongue while hints of citrus sneak in at the same time. This is definitely a saison, but with its own unique twist.

Golden Cap is an easily drinkable beer, although I am slightly offput by its sweetness. I wouldn’t say it is one of the best saisons I have ever had, but it is definitely a good brew, especially for the summer. Another quality effort from the guys at New Holland.

7/10