Landive - Jester King Brewery Review
The world of Farmhouse and Saison ales is a doorway to interpretation. And many modern brewers are taking that doorway and exploding it with new and wild ideas.
One of those companies lighting the fuse is Jester King Brewery out of Austin, Texas. Jester King has cemented itself as a modern name in the old-school game of Farmhouse ales. And for those asking what a Farmhouse ale is … well, it’s complicated. The reason this style along with Saisons have gained so much popularity in American craft beer is because they are open to interpretation. Innovative brewers like that—no walls caging them in.
In our humble opinion, Belgian-style Farmhouse ales are often light, dry, and a little funky or sour. Broad, I know, but so are the varieties found on shelves.
Landive from Jester King fits nicely into that broad category while also being completely unique. Jester King’s Landive is a “Dry-hopped Farmhouse ale re-fermented with fresh lime juice, grapefruit juice, and wildflower honey called Landive.” And the hops they used to dry-hop with are just as unique with a combo of Sabro, Citra, and Mosaic Cryo. Those wonderful hops mixed with Texas malted barley, wheat, Hill Country water, and honey, set this one up for Lone Star success.
I don’t know what to expect with this one, so let’s dive (get it?!) right in.
First Impressions:
On the Eyes--Straw colored with a green tint and a slight haze. Topped with a strong cream-colored head.
On the Nose--Crisp with citrus (grapefruit) and tropical fruit aroma. Citra is definitely present. Slightly floral and sweet (maybe from the honey?), with just a hint of spicy Belgian character.
On the Palate--Very complex! This ale is a rush of big flavors, which you don’t often expect from such a light beer, but impressive brewing techniques can sway that. The citrus bursts out with layers of lime and grapefruit. It has a gentle tropical note, likely from dry-hopping Citra, Sabro, and Mosaic Cryo. It is light on the tongue and dry at the finish where the berry flavors from the Mosaic come through for me. I thought it would be slightly sweeter with the honey, but it is nicely balanced with hop bitterness while still maintaining a wheat character and light mouthfeel.
Verdict:
Jester King’s Landive is one of the more complex beers I've ever drank, but, more importantly, it’s fun to drink. It’s light and dry while giving the drinker the bitterness from the citrus refermentation and hopping. It’s hopped like an IPA while staying true to those Belgian Farmhouse characteristics.
If you haven’t tried a Jester King ale before, consider giving Landive a go. Many of their beers are in and out, so snatch it while you can. It is pricey, but this beer is truly unique and fun to drink, and its roots in Texas make it all the more special to any Lone Star drinkers out there. If you’re worried about the price, or even if you’re apprehensive about the world of Farmhouse ales, you can often find their beers for sale in singles if you wish to go that route (we often do) before spending the cash. Or, better yet, meet up with them in Austin.
Cheers!
Mr. Brew