This years fall seasonal (in July?) comes to us in the form of a Farmhouse Ale as an "ode" to the saison style. It was pretty disappointing in my opinion and didn't really resemble a saison to me at all. By their own admission, it is on the 'sweeter side' however I thought it was inappropriately sweet. It has been years, but it drinks a lot like how I remember their Trippel and the taste comes off a lot stronger than 6.2% ABV. The yeast character seems overly fruity with lack of spice but that may have to do with Nelson Sauvin hops that are used. If it finished dry it might be more enjoyable but the fruit combined with a heavier mouthfeel and sweetness than you would expect is just too much. I am not that familiar with the style but I get the impression of something more like belgian pale ale in this beer.
All in all it is not a bad beer but when reviewing it as a saison I feel it misses pretty badly. Maybe I have the wrong impressions of what a saison should be... New Belgium continues to be hit and miss for me although I continue to try their new releases. It seems that it is kind of a love/hate thing with a lot of people in general. I thought their summer seasonal; Skinny Dip was good although it was different than the original and I really enjoyed their summer revival; Somersault.