Side Project La Ruche Double Oak Honey 2026 Farmhouse Saison

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Side Project La Ruche Double Oak Honey (2026) pours a luminous, hazy gold with a delicate white head that settles quickly into a fine ring, leaving minimal lacing — characteristic of this softly carbonated, bottle-conditioned saison. On the nose, the aromatics are intricately layered: wildflower honey opens proceedings, followed by notes of ripe citrus zest, white stone fruit, and a subtle barnyard earthiness lifted by the peppery warmth of the native Missouri microflora. A whisper of toasted oak and vanilla from the double-barrel aging adds structural depth without dominating. On the palate, the mouthfeel is medium-bodied and silky, with a prickly effervescence that keeps the beer lively and refreshing.

The interplay of gentle tartness, floral honey sweetness, and rounded oak tannins creates a beautifully calibrated balance, with notes of fresh lemon, green apple, cracker malt, and a faintly vinous white-wine character. The finish is long, semi-dry, and elegantly honeyed, with lingering oak and a bright citric snap. A beer of exceptional finesse and aging potential — ideal now but will reward cellaring over two to three years as the double oak integration deepens and the honey expression mellows further.

Food Pairing

Side Project La Ruche Double Oak Honey 2026 saison pairs magnificently with aged semi-firm cheeses such as Comté or Gruyère, where the honey and oak notes echo the cheese’s nutty, caramelised depth. It is equally compelling alongside a delicate roast chicken with herbes de Provence and lavender honey glaze, allowing the beer’s floral complexity and dry, citric finish to cut through the richness and amplify the aromatic herbs on the plate.

Side Project La Ruche Double Oak Honey (2026)